The Turkish Defense Ministry recently disclosed that Iraqi border guards, in coordination with the Turkish Armed Forces, are ensuring security in northern Iraq, particularly in areas where the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK, recognized as a terrorist group by Turkey). This information was conveyed to journalists during a briefing by a representative of the Turkish Defense Ministry.
Reports had come up earlier regarding the deployment of temporary outposts by Iraqi border troops in northern Iraq, near the border with Turkey and regions where Ankara continues its operations against the PKK. The ministry spokesperson clarified, "The actions undertaken by Iraqi border guards in areas adjacent to our operational zones are a result of ongoing dialogue with Iraq. They are aimed at thwarting the activities of the PKK terrorist organization and are conducted in close coordination with us."
The ministry emphasized that such coordination will persist in the future to combat the PKK effectively and ensure border security, along with safeguarding Iraqi civilians residing in the region. Additionally, the Defense Ministry revealed that 376 terrorists have been neutralized in northern Iraq since the beginning of the year, with 469 eliminated in northern Syria.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan previously announced Turkey's intention to secure the entire border line with Iraq by summer. Local media reports suggest that a new cross-border military operation by the Turkish Armed Forces in border areas could occur during the summer. The operation aims to establish security zones extending up to 40 kilometers, which will subsequently be placed under the control of gendarmerie units.
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Based on materials from TASS