Türkiye Frustrated with US and Iran over PKK and YPG Support

Türkiye's defense, minister, stand, us Yaşar Güler, has expressed growing frustration with the United States and Iran over their lack of cooperation in combating the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the European Union. Güler criticized Iran for failing to take action against PKK militants fleeing into Iranian territory, despite Türkiye providing concrete data on their locations. "We give the location of (PKK terrorists) to our Iranian friends, but they reply that they checked them out and could not find them," Güler stated, adding, "This is not a good approach to this matter. This disturbs us."

Why this matters: The lack of cooperation from the US and Iran in combating the PKK has significant implications for regional stability and security, as it allows the terrorist group to maintain its presence and continue its activities. Furthermore, the issue highlights the complexities of geopolitical alliances and the challenges of coordinating counter-terrorism efforts across national borders.

Güler also took aim at the United States for its support of the People's Protection Units (YPG), a Syrian Kurdish militia that Ankara considers to be an extension of the pkk. The defense minister pointed to evidence of the US providing military equipment to the YPG, despite claims that the two groups are separate entities. "Some friends claim (YPG) is a force separate from PKK. They claim they give (military equipment) to YPG, not PKK," Güler said, adding, "But they were caught red-handed. Two helicopters piloted by YPG members trained by (U.S. forces) collided and this revealed their involvement."

Türkiye has conducted several successful counterterrorism operations in Syria since 2016, including euphrates, shield, olive, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring, aimed at preventing the formation of a terror corridor and enabling the peaceful resettlement of residents. The country is now shifting its focus to Iraq, where it plans to launch a major offensive against the PKK this summer.

The PKK has long been entrenched in northern Iraq, leading to the evacuation of some 800 villages and disrupting the lives of civilians in the region. Güler noted that Iraq has recently redefined the PKK as a banned organization following a series of meetings. He also warned the patriotic, union, kurdistan against supporting the terrorist group, stating, "You have to rid yourself of this terrorist group if you want peace. We are ready to help if you want."

The PKK insurgency against the Turkish state began in 1984, with the conflict claiming more than 40,000 lives over the decades. While the fighting was once primarily concentrated in southeastern Türkiye, it has now shifted to the mountains of northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, where PKK militants maintain bases. As Türkiye prepares for its upcoming offensive, the country remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating the pkk, threat and securing peace for the region.

Key Takeaways

• Türkiye's defense minister criticizes US and Iran for lack of cooperation in combating PKK.
• Iran fails to act on PKK militants despite being provided with location data.
• US supports YPG, considered an extension of PKK by Ankara, with military equipment.
• Türkiye plans to launch a major offensive against PKK in Iraq this summer.
• PKK insurgency has claimed over 40,000 lives since 1984, with fighting now in northern Iraq.