Iraq’s Kurdish ruling party slams terrorist PKK group

ERBIL, Iraq

Iraq’s Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) strongly criticized the political wing of the terrorist PKK terrorist group, the Group of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK).

“KDP is used to statements by KCK that aim to undermine its reputation,” KDP, which is headed by Kurdish President Masoud Barzani, said in a Tuesday statement.

KDP accused KCK of causing trouble for the Kurdish people and questioned its goals.

“Why do you not solve your problems with Turkey if you do not have enmity against it?” KDP said.

KDP added that KCK’s policies are wrong and cause instability in regions where the Kurdish people live.

KDP said the terrorist PKK group ruined hundreds of Kurdish villages, forced residents to flee their homes and prevented the Kurdish Regional Government from providing services in the affected areas.

The PKK – designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU –renewed its armed campaign against the Turkish state in the aftermath of the July 20 suicide bombing in Suruc that killed 33 activists.

In response, the Turkish government has been conducting an extensive anti-terrorism effort by bombing PKK camps at home and in northern Iraq, including the Qandil Mountain, and by striking Daesh in Syria.