ANKARA – Turkey announced on Thursday it is closely monitoring the activities of the Iranian Kurdish militant group PJAK, amid reports of consultations between Washington and Iranian Kurdish militias In a statement, Ankara warned that the group's actions threaten not only Iran's security but also regional stability
The statement from the NATO member follows reports that Iranian Kurdish groups had consulted with the U.S. about how they might attack Iran's security forces The Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK) is considered by Ankara to be an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey, the U.S., and the EU designate as a terrorist organization.
This development highlights a potential source of friction within the NATO alliance. Turkey is currently working to secure peace with the PKK and has indicated it would not support collaboration with affiliated groups by its allies The reported discussions between the U.S. and the Kurdish group could complicate regional dynamics and Turkey's security concerns, as it shares a border with Iran and is actively engaged in counter-terrorism efforts against the PKK
Mohsin Rana
