“The United States strongly condemns the attacks by the terrorist PKK organization yesterday against Kurdistan Regional security officials in Iraq. We remain steadfast in our support for Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi and the Kurdistan Regional Government in their efforts to root out terrorism, and we extend our sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and injured in these attacks,” read the statement from US State Department.
On Wednesday, one Peshmerga was killed and two were wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Duhok province. The PKK claimed responsibility for the incident, saying it was a warning to stop Peshmerga forces from trying to enter their camps.
The KCK, the PKK’s political umbrella organization, condemned the American statement, calling it “irresponsible.”
“The United States, instead of condemning the invasions of Turkey on southern Kurdistan and Iraq, supports and encourages it in every way. The USA, not only is silent on the operations and crimes committed by [President] Erdogan's Turkey, but also, by supporting the aggressive policies of the KDP, tries to further deepen the negative relationship between Kurdish powers,” the KCK stated.
The KDP – Kurdistan Democratic Party – is the ruling party in Duhok province.
The incident has sparked fears of a civil war, though both sides have called for restraint.
In a statement condemning the incident, the Kurdistan Region Presidency called for a solution “away from civil war.” Senior PKK executive Murat Karayilan earlier said that “to start an inter-Kurdish war is not what we want.”
The PKK, fighting for greater cultural and political rights for Kurds in Turkey, has its headquarters in the Kurdistan Region. Turkish armed forces frequently pursue the PKK across the border and this summer carried out an air and ground campaign that came closer than ever to heavily populated areas of the Kurdistan Region. According to a parliamentary report published in September, 504 villages have been emptied by residents fleeing fighting between Turkey and the PKK since 1992.
Updated at 2:52 pm
