Iraqi army establishes base in Zakho: What will be the impact on the fight against terrorism?

Ministry of National Defense (MSB) Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk spoke at the weekly briefing held at the Ministry's Martyr Journalist Hasan Tahsin Hall. 

MINISTRY CONFIRMS ACTIVITIES

In his response to a question regarding the claim that a base was established in the Zakho region of Iraq, the MSB official stated: "These are activities carried out by Iraqi border guards in areas adjacent to our operation zones, aimed at preventing the activities of the PKK terrorist organization as a result of the dialogue that has begun with Iraq. These activities are being carried out in coordination with us as well. In the coming period, efforts will continue in a coordinated manner between Iraq and our country with the aim of preventing the PKK's activities, ensuring border security, and protecting the lives of the Iraqi civilian population living in the region." 

Beginning his remarks by commemorating the martyrs and veterans on the anniversary of the Siege of Kut victory, Aktürk said, "We once again wish God's mercy upon our heroic comrades-in-arms, Contracted Private Rıdvan Gürsoy and Infantry Specialist Sergeant Sait Toktaş, who were martyred on April 30 and May 1." He also celebrated May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day and World Pilots' Day.

VISIT OF THE EGYPTIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF

Regarding the visit of Egyptian Chief of General Staff Osama Askar to Ankara on April 29, the ministry official said, "The visit of the Egyptian Chief of General Staff to our Ministry signals a new era in terms of both the development of military relations and cooperation in the defense industry. At their request, they visited some of our defense industry companies. We expect relations to increase mutually in the coming period."

WILL THE BASES CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM?

Abdullah Ağar, President of the Bahçeşehir University Center for Strategic Studies, emphasized in his assessment on CNN Türk that the bases established by Iraq are the beginning of a process, stating, "They will make a great contribution to the operations carried out by the TSK (Turkish Armed Forces)." Ağar interpreted this step, which came after 30 years, by saying, "Turkey has shown the cards in its hand." 

News Source: 12punto