The deployment of a group of Peshmerga forces affiliated to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in the Zînî Wertê area of ​​the Iraqi Federated Kurdistan Region in March caused tension between the PKK and the KDP. Air strikes were carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on 15 June in Maxmur Camp, Shengal and Qandil. Then, clashes took place with the deployment of soldiers to Haftanîn. In addition to these developments, the tension between the powers increased further with the Shengal agreement signed between the Iraqi central government and the Federated Kurdistan administration and the shifting of a special force affiliated to the KDP to the Garê region.

 

Called by PKK Central Executive Council Member Murat Karayılan, KDP Chairman Mesut Barzani blamed the PKK instead of ending the tension. After Barzani's statement, which was deemed "dangerous", the "Birakûjî (Brother fight)" among Kurds came to the fore once again.

 

Necmettin Salaz, who has been a journalist in the Federated Kurdistan Region for many years, evaluated the developments and the mutual statements made by the parties to the Mesopotamia Agency (MA).

 

Stating that the events unfolded in the last weeks did not happen all of a sudden, Salaz said: "The termination of the peace process and the attacks of the Turks against the Kurds, and the arrests of HDP members and executives, the KDP -Turkey alliance was once again brought to life. Especially in the Behdînan region, the placement of a large number of Turkish soldiers at Pêşmerge outposts and the road control happened in a period of 4-5 years."

 

Stating that the AKP-MHP government is in close political and economic cooperation with the KDP, Salaz said: “They have gone so far as to give 4 million dollars to the AKP-MHP government for support in the elections. Cooperation between Turkey and KDP has grown in the last 5 years. They used to deny there was a cooperation between them but now they don't see the need to deny it. Nothing is hidden."

 

Salaz also emphasized that there has been no statements from other political parties in the Federated Kurdistan Region regarding the tension. Saying that the society is expecting an explanation from the YNK and Goran movements, Salaz stated that it is hopeful that both political parties do not attend the meeting held at the Barzani residence and said, "We hope they will maintain this attitude and stand in front of the war."

 

Noting that these parties can create a buffer zone in areas with a risk of conflict, Salaz said: “With the forces they send here, they can stand between the two sides and prevent conflict. Because if it spreads, there is a small gain here. Let's not let it turn to a battlefield with our own hands." 

 

 

MA / Ahmet Kanbal