Kurdish journalist captures alleged deployment of Syrian mercenaries in northern Iraq under Turkish orders

NOHADRA, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Kurdish journalist Honar Ahmed has released footage and images purportedly showing Syrian mercenaries deployed in northern Iraq under the direction of Turkish intelligence. These mercenaries are allegedly being used to combat the People’s Defense Forces (Hêzên Parastina Gel, HPG) of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK) in the region.

Residents of Plavi village, located in Amediye (Amedia) District, Nohadra (Duhok) Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), reported to Ahmed that individuals in Turkish military uniforms spoke to them in Arabic, indicating they were Syrian mercenaries. According to the villagers, between 600 and 700 of these mercenaries have arrived in the mountainous areas. They noted that the mercenaries were prohibited from using mobile phones and were traveling between villages in civilian vehicles.

The local population expressed deep concern that these Syrian mercenaries, now stationed in northern Iraq, could commit severe violations and atrocities against civilians, reminiscent of the brutal actions they carried out in Cafrin (Afrin), Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn), and Tel Abyad.

This deployment of Syrian mercenaries in northern Iraq is reportedly being coordinated at a high level between the “Barzan” unit of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Turkish intelligence. Residents fear that this collaboration could lead to further destabilization and violence in the region.