Iraq, Türkiye discuss security situation in border areas

Iraqi leaders on Tuesday discussed with visiting Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler the security situation in the border areas where Türkiye launched operations against Iraq-based Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.

A statement by the Iraqi presidency said that Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid held a meeting with Guler and his delegation, in which he stressed the need "to resolve border problems and security issues between the two countries through cooperation, consultation and coordination."

Rashid expressed Iraq's rejection of unilateral measures in addressing the outstanding issues, the statement said.

Rashid stressed the need to respect Iraqi sovereignty and stop Turkish military violations of Iraqi lands, especially in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, the statement added.

Guler also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia's al-Sudani, who affirmed Iraq's rejection of its lands being used to attack neighboring countries, especially along the borderline between Iraq and Türkiye, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

"Iraq rejects any breach of its sovereignty or any measures to settle scores on its soil," al-Sudani said, pointing out the need for coordination between the two countries to create the conditions for stability.

For his part, Guler stressed his country's desire to maintain cooperative relations with Iraq and its keenness on security coordination in the field of intelligence and combating terrorism, according to the statement.

The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes and artillery bombardments in northern Iraq against the PKK, especially in the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the group.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

(Cover: File photo of Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler. /CFP)