Turkish Army Cracks Down on PKK in Iraq and Syria Despite Ocalan's Peace Call
Turkey's armed forces have killed 26 Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria in the week since jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan's disarmament call, despite his efforts to end the violence. The PKK militants declared an immediate ceasefire, but Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned that Ankara would continue operations against the group if its promises were not kept. The situation remains tense, with tensions between Turkey and Kurdish militant groups still simmering.
- The fact that Turkey is continuing military operations despite Ocalan's call for disarmament suggests a deeper mistrust of the PKK's intentions and a lack of faith in the effectiveness of peaceful negotiations.
- What role do regional powers like Russia and Iran play in mediating between Turkey and the PKK, and how might their involvement shape the outcome of this conflict?