Turkey’s President Erdogan Announces Imminent End of Military Operation in Northern Iraq and Syria

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared the imminent conclusion of his government’s military operations against Kurdish PKK fighters in northern Iraq and Syria. The operation, known as Claw-Lock, was initiated in April 2022 to secure Turkey’s border with northern Iraq, where Kurdish separatists were allegedly launching attacks on Turkish territory.

Erdogan stated that the Kurdish forces are now “incapable of acting inside our borders” and that the Kurdistan Workers Party has been “completely trapped” in both Iraq and Syria. He emphasized that Turkish forces are actively pursuing the security corridor along the southern border with Syria.

The ongoing tensions between Turkey and Kurdish separatists have a long history, with the PKK engaging in armed insurgency within Turkey since 1984. The group is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

Despite the military operations, there have been recent signs of potential reconciliation. In March, Iraq designated the PKK as a “banned organization” following a diplomatic visit, and Erdogan made a diplomatic visit to Iraq in April, urging Baghdad to combat terrorism.

Turkey has also conducted ground operations in northern Syria to expel Kurdish forces and prevent the establishment of a “terror corridor.” Erdogan even hinted at the possibility of inviting Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to Turkey, signaling a potential shift in relations between the two countries.

However, any normalization of ties between Syria and Turkey would require the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian territory, as stated by Syrian diplomats. The foreign ministry in Damascus emphasized the need for clear foundations to achieve the desired outcome in restoring relations.

The developments in Turkey’s military operations in northern Iraq and Syria reflect the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the ongoing efforts to address security concerns and regional stability.