ERBIL, Kurdistan Region —The Kurdistan Region's Security Council (KRSC) announced on Monday that it had arrested 17 suspects planning "sabotage attacks" aiming to target diplomatic missions, businesses and a governor, suspecting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party to be behind some of the plots
"Two specific sets of planned attacks, including one set by the PKK, were uncovered and prevented through the close coordination of police, security, intelligence and counter-terrorism officials across the Kurdistan Region," the KRSC said in a Facebook post.
“Some of those responsible had ties to, and may have been directed by individuals based outside Iraq, including in Europe."
The PKK, an armed Kurdish group seeking greater cultural and political rights for Kurds in Turkey, has been in conflict with Ankara for decades. The group has its headquarters in the Kurdistan Region’s Qandil mountains.
The PKK denied the claims, saying “it is baseless and completely untrue. This distorting news was created in cooperation and coordination with Turkish intelligence (MIT) and its aim is to pave the way to legitimize their attack on our movement,” reported PKK-affiliated Rojnews Monday evening.
The KRSC added the first planned attack involved at least 12 suspects with links to the PKK.
"The suspects planned to attack a foreign diplomatic mission in Erbil, assassinate members of that foreign mission and carry out attacks on private companies from that country operating in the Kurdistan Region," the KRSC said.
"Those who were the targets of the attacks have been informed and all necessary countermeasures and precautions have been taken to guarantee the safety of diplomats and foreign businesspeople in the Kurdistan Region.
"They also planned an attack on a major western brand in Kurdistan. The group was observed and then intercepted by the security forces, in an operation lasting over four months, saving numerous lives.
"Several arrests have been made, including two Syrian nationals. It is likely more arrests will follow.
"We will be seeking further assistance from international law enforcement partners through Interpol. We hope this will lead to additional arrests in due course," it added.
The KRSC added the second case saw eight arrests, all Iraqis, during an operation which lasted over a year.
"The group planned to assassinate a KRG governor, and to carry out other acts of violence in the Kurdistan Region in general and in Duhok province in particular," the statement read. "The group also planned to target government bodies and property through attacks to undermine national security and KRG’s security services."
A third group was intercepted "as a result of an ongoing counter-intelligence operation lasting over a year. Seven suspects have been arrested."
"Intelligence gathered so far indicates that this group was part of a network established several years ago to collect information on the KRG’s intelligence and military services, buildings and employees," the body said, accusing them of sharing information with the PKK.
The KRG has previously accused the PKK of being involved in carrying out attacks on the Region's security forces.
Shortly after the killing of Ghazi Salih, 47, the head of the security forces (Asayesh) affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) at Sarzer border crossing in the Amedi district of Duhok earlier this monh, Erbil security forces accused the PKK of the assassination. The PKK denied the claims.
Updated at 11:00 pm with PKK comments
