US urges Turkey to respect Iraqi sovereignty amid threats of military operation in Kurdistan Region

WASHINGTON, D.C. / ANKARA — Following Turkish threats to launch a military operation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), the US has called on Ankara to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and coordinate with its government for any cross-border operations.

Quoting a US State Department spokesman, local media reported that civilians must be protected and unharmed in any military action. The US urged Turkey to coordinate with the Iraqi government if a military operation across the border becomes necessary.

Recently, Turkish forces set up a checkpoint on the main road between Bamerni and Kani Masi in Nohadra (Dohuk), within the KRI, to check the identities of citizens.

In related news, large fires broke out in the mountains of Nohadra due to continuous Turkish bombardments in the area.

The Roj News Agency reported that the fires have overwhelmed fire brigades, preventing them from controlling the blazes.

Turkey’s shelling of border villages in the Nohadra countryside has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians. The shelling has caused significant damage to villages and infrastructure and considerable losses in agricultural crops due to frequent fires.