Iraqi Defense Minister warns of PKK expansion, Turkey seeks resolution
"The Iraqi government is worried about the PKK's growing presence in these regions," al-Abbasi said in a press release. He specifically noted reports of individuals from Samawah in al-Muthanna Governorate and Nasiriyah joining the PKK's ranks.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi expressed concern on Tuesday over the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) expanding its reach into southern and central Iraq.
"The Iraqi government is worried about the PKK's growing presence in these regions," al-Abbasi said in a press release. He specifically noted reports of individuals from Samawah in al-Muthanna Governorate and Nasiriyah joining the PKK's ranks.
The minister also revealed that Iraq is seeking an agreement with Turkey to address the PKK issue, similar to the resolution reached with Iran regarding Kurdish forces in Eastern Kurdistan.
In response to al-Abbasi's statement, Turkey has urged Iraq to resolve the PKK conflict using the same approach it employed to address the Kurdish forces of Eastern Kurdistan.