Kurdistan Region's Presidency condemns attack on Peshmerga, PKK denies involvement

Kurdistan 04:44 PM - 2021-06-05

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On Saturday, the Kurdistan Region's Presidency condemned the attack launched on the Peshmerga forces in Matin mountain, claiming that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was behind it.

 

"We strongly condemn the attack this morning that was carried out by the PKK gunmen in Matina subdistrict of Amedi, Dohuk province, on Peshmarga forces," the Presidency stated.

 

"We reiterate that PKK’s aggression against the Kurdistan Region must stop immediately. These unjustifiable actions against the people of the Kurdistan Region have continued over the past three decades and caused endless misery for the civil population, preventing the much-needed reconstitution of hundreds of villages and localities in the Kurdistan Region."

 

"The PKK has continuously stirred up conflicts and showed complete lack of respect for the administration and laws of the Kurdistan Region. It has continued to pose threats and dangers to peace and stability of our country and people," the statement added. 

 

The PKK, however, said their fighters “opened fire into the air with personal weapons in order to warn” the Peshmerga when they entered an area on the mountain where the PKK are present. 

 

“However, their armored vehicle ignored our warning and kept moving. We have not confirmed how they were attacked. We do not know if an old mine exploded or it was an airstrike,” the PKK added in a statement carried by Rojnews.

 

"The attack resulted in the death of 5 members of the Peshmerga forces and the injury of 4 others," Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Peshmerga stated. read more

 

In April, the Turkish army launched a new ground and air offensive allegedly against militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) dubbed Operation Claw Lightning. 

 

The Matin mountain is a hot spot for Turkey and PKK conflicts. The Turkish army began military operations inside the Kurdistan Region more than 40 days ago.

 

The Turkish army's operations in Duhok's Mount Matin continue despite local and official appeals to Ankara to stop its aggression, which resulted in civilian casualties and emptying dozens of villages of their residents. read more

 

 

 

PUKmedia