This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
June 17, 2020, marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Turkey and Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. In a move that is likely to increase friction with the Baghdad government, Turkey launched an air and ground offensive against Kurdish rebels in the region.
The operation, dubbed 'Claw-Tiger', was launched in response to a recent upsurge in attacks on Turkish police stations and military bases near the Iraqi border. The Turkish defence ministry stated that 'commandos' moved in, supported by drones and helicopters, following a bombardment with rocket launchers and artillery guns that hit more than 150 targets.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party spokesman, Omer Celik, defended Turkey's actions, stating that the country has a 'natural right' to fight against terrorists who attack its borders, citizens, and security forces.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is banned as a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies. Tens of thousands have been killed during the violence, which resumed after a two-year ceasefire collapsed in 2015.
PKK bases are not explicitly authorised but are tolerated by an autonomous Kurdish administration in northern Iraq. Iraq summoned Turkey's Baghdad envoy, Fatih Yildiz, over the raids, with the ambassador tweeting that Turkey would 'fight the PKK wherever it is' if Iraq did not 'take any steps' to remove the PKK's presence.
