UNAMI “is following with grave concern the serious security developments in the north of Iraq, which, regrettably, have led to loss of life and many injuries in Sinjar (Shingal) town and Sheniya [Sikeniye] village,” reads a statement from the agency, calling for an investigation.
Turkey launched airstrikes on Monday and Tuesday in Shingal that killed six Shingal Resistance Units (YBS) fighters and four health workers when targeting a YBS vehicle and a medical center associated with the group.
“Necessary precautions must be taken during military operations, including airstrikes, to protect and minimize harm to civilians who often suffer the consequence of such attacks,” added UNAMI without mentioning Turkey or the YBS.
Shingal is militarily run by Iraqi forces and several armed groups affiliated to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The UNAMI statement called for the implementation of the agreement “without delay.”
Baghdad and Erbil have not condemned Ankara for the Shingal airstrikes, and Turkey has only reported PKK casualties, as reference to the YBS which it sees as an offshoot of the PKK.
The PKK is an armed group fighting for the increased rights of Kurds in Turkey. It is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey. Ankara claims that the group is a threat to its national security, therefore it carries out regular military campaigns against the PKK at home and in the Kurdistan Region and Shingal.
