Erdogan Announces Possibility of Joint Military Operation by Iran and Turkey Against Kurdish Militias

Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Iran and Turkey have discussed conducting a joint military operation against Kurdish militia groups during the recent visit of the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces to Ankara. The Turkish president said on Monday, August 21, before departing for Jordan for an official visit, that 'effective fighting against the PKK and its Iranian branch, PJAK, is possible through a joint military operation with Iran.' According to Reuters, he added, 'Joint operations against terrorist groups that are considered threats are always on the agenda. This issue was discussed in the negotiations between the chiefs of staff of the two countries, and I have elaborated on how such operations should be conducted.' Iran and Turkey have designated the Kurdish militia groups operating within their borders as terrorist organizations and have been engaged with them for several decades. The PKK, which emerged in 1984, has declared its goal of autonomy for Kurdish regions in Turkey. Over the 33 years since the PKK's armed struggle against the Turkish army began, more than 40,000 civilians have been killed, most of whom were Kurds. Although there was a ceasefire between the PKK and the Turkish army for three years, violence has returned to southeastern Turkey since the ceasefire was violated in July 2015. The UN Human Rights Office reported last year that, based on its non-field investigations, around 2,000 people, including 1,200 local residents and about 800 military and police personnel, were killed during Turkey's extensive security operations from July 2015 to December 2016. Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, had a three-day visit to Turkey last week, during which he met with his Turkish counterpart General Hulusi Akar and also with Erdogan to discuss how to combat armed Kurdish opponents. The Turkish newspaper Sabah reported that the parties agreed to make joint efforts to combat the illegal crossing of 'members of terrorist groups' across the borders of the two countries. Baqeri also told Iranian media that the two countries are set to exchange information. Turkey has begun constructing a border wall with Iran since mid-August, aimed at preventing Kurdish insurgents from entering Turkish territory. The Sabah newspaper reported on its website on Monday, August 21, that several PKK camps are located along the border with Iran, each housing about 1,000 'terrorists.' The newspaper wrote that during operations against PKK bases in eastern Turkey, 'these terrorists easily cross the border and take refuge in these camps or illegally cross the border and enter the country.' Turkish officials have stated that the length of this border wall will be 144 kilometers. Iranian officials have welcomed the construction of this wall.