EU calls for restraint after Turkey strikes PKK targets

After Turkish air strikes on Kurdish areas of northern Iraq on Sunday, the European Union called for restraint and respect for territorial integrity, BBC News reported Monday.

According to the article: “In its statement on Monday, the EU presidency called for better dialogue between the governments of Turkey and Iraq ‘in order to ensure that the Iraqi territory is not used for any terrorist actions against Turkey.’”

“During an operation lasting three hours, targets were hit in Zap, Hakurk and Avasin, as well as areas in the Kandil mountains,” the article noted.

According to Turkish media reports, up to 50 planes were involved in the operation.

“The Turkish military said only ‘terrorist’ targets were hit, but the PKK reported that two civilians had been killed along with five of its fighters,” the article said, using the acronym for the Kurdish rebel group targeted in the attacks.

“The US has urged Turkey to step back from a major operation against the PKK in northern Iraq because it fears military action could destabilize what has become one [of] the most peaceful and prosperous regions of the country,” the article added.

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