Iraq and Turkey open 22 new border posts to ‘enhance security’

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Border Forces Command announced on Wednesday the opening of 22 new border posts along the Iraq-Turkey border, marking a significant step toward enhancing security in the area. The new posts come amid ongoing Turkish military operations targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK,  inside the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement, the Iraqi Border Forces Command detailed that Lieutenant General Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sukkar, Commander of Iraq’s Border Forces, visited the First Border Brigade in Duhok Governorate, which manages the Iraq-Turkey border. He was accompanied by Major General Diler Farzanda Zebari, Commander of Border Force One.

“Lieutenant General Sukkar inaugurated 22 new border posts along the Iraq-Turkey border,” the statement noted, highlighting the challenging terrain in which these posts were constructed, marking the first time such infrastructure has been built in these remote areas.

During the visit, Sukkar emphasised the importance of vigilance, instructing units to “reinforce soldier positions with modern equipment and provide the best administrative services to the forces.”

The developments come after Iraq and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding in August, focusing on military and security following two days of high-level talks in Ankara. Relations between the neighbouring countries have been tense due to Turkey’s cross-border operations against the PKK, which Baghdad has called a violation of its sovereignty.

Turkey has intensified its operations against the PKK and its affiliates in the Kurdistan Region, particularly through Operation Claw-Lock, initiated in April 2022. The campaign has led devastating losses of life, livelihoods and property.

Despite past disagreements, ties have improved, particularly following a visit by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad in April, where he said relations between the two nations had entered a “new phase.”

Turkey’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler noted in August that recent steps taken by both countries marked a “turning point,” urging Iraq to go further and officially designate the PKK as a “terrorist” organisation.

Iraq shares a 362-kilometre border with Turkey, 300 kilometres of which are land-based, running through the Kurdistan Region’s Erbil and Duhok governorates, with the remaining 62 kilometres along the Dezel River in Duhok.