Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government leader calls YPG/PKK headache for Erbil, Baghdad

By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD (AA) – The YPG/PKK terror group is a major “headache” for Erbil and Baghdad, said Nechirvan Barzani, the head of northern Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), on Thursday.

Barzani told the Saudi Al-Arabiya news channel that they categorically rejected the PKK's use of KRG territory against Türkiye.

The PKK poses a threat to neighboring countries and is a "big headache" for Erbil and Baghdad, he added.

Barzani's remarks came after Türkiye’s national defense minister paid a visit to the Kurdish Regional Administration last week.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, UK, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

The YPG/PYD is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

Regarding the presence of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq, Barzani said the KRG will decide the fate of the coalition forces in consultations with the Iraqi central government.

Rejecting allegations of a relationship between the KRG and Israel, he said the KRG has no relations with Tel Aviv and does not have an Israeli intelligence agency Mossad headquarters.

Barzani emphasized that Iran could not provide Baghdad with any evidence of Mossad presence in the KRG.

"The KRG poses no threat to Iran,” which carried out attacks and resulted in the deaths of civilians, he said, adding that it is impossible to assess Iran's attack within the context of friendship.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar