13.02.2026 07:20
It was claimed that the terrorist organization PKK, which suffered a heavy blow in Syria, was supported by Hashd al-Shaabi elements in Iraq. It was alleged that a large number of PKK members had moved to areas controlled by Hashd al-Shaabi, and that the organization had provided headquarters facilities to Hashd al-Shaabi groups in Sinjar. On the other hand, official sources in Ankara stated that Turkey had communicated to the counterparts that its patience had run out due to the threats from the PKK regarding the Development Path project and the risks posed to the Turkmen population along the Mosul-Tal Afar-Kirkuk line.
Following Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statement that "It's Iraq's turn," diplomatic and security traffic in northern Iraq has accelerated. Turkey has intensified its contacts with the Baghdad administration, as well as with officials from the KYB and KDP regarding the PKK presence, particularly in Sinjar. As expectations for a large-scale operation strengthen, it has been claimed that some individuals involved in the terrorist organization's Syrian structure have moved to Sinjar.
"TELAFER SHOULD BE DECLARED A PROVINCE"
According to a report by Yılmaz Bilgen from Türkiye Gazetesi, it has been suggested that the PKK has entered a new restructuring process following the disruption of its logistics line in Syria. Iraqi expert Prof. Dr. Mahir Nakip stated that a new geographical transformation process centered in Turkey has begun, arguing that Sinjar holds a more strategic position for the organization than Qandil. Nakip mentioned that Turkish delegations have been conducting talks focused on Sinjar, Kirkuk, and Mosul with both Bafel and Kubat Talabani, as well as with the Erbil and Baghdad administrations. Nakip also expressed that Telafer, which has a population predominantly composed of Turkmen, should be declared a province.
"ANKARA'S PATIENCE HAS RUN OUT" MESSAGE
Official sources discussed in Ankara indicated that Turkey's patience has run out due to the threats posed by the PKK's Development Path project and the risks to the Turkmen population along the Mosul-Telafer-Kirkuk line. The sources stated that they are determined to take solution-oriented steps and that the process will now progress operationally. The same sources noted that contacts with international actors, particularly the U.S., are ongoing, and new developments regarding Hashd al-Shaabi and possible alliances may come to the agenda.
DEMOGRAPHIC DEBATE IN MOSUL AND KIRKUK
Iraqi international relations expert Dr. Hicran Kazancı claimed that "dangerous games" are being played over Mosul and Kirkuk. Kazancı argued that the 1957 census should be taken as a basis for the stability of the region. He asserted that more than 120,000 Arab families have moved to Kirkuk in the post-2017 period.
PKK-HASHD AL-SHAABI ALLEGATION
Iraqi security sources speaking in the region claimed that Hashd al-Shaabi elements are acting together with the PKK in Sinjar. The sources alleged that some Hashd al-Shaabi groups have established headquarters in areas controlled by the PKK and that the organization has transported weapons and ammunition brought from Syria to these regions. It was also claimed that Iran's Consul in Erbil, Faramez Asadi, plays a key role in the contacts between the PKK and Hashd al-Shaabi. It has been suggested that joint headquarters and training camps have been established in Sinjar, and a new restructuring is underway in the region.