Turkish army eyes S-400 deployment on Iraq border amid PKK tensions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Apr 2024 17:16
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Turkey has been relocating military equipment to the border with Iraq in anticipation of a significant operation aimed at targeting positions held by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

In this photo taken from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, Combat crews of the S-400 air defense system drive to take up combat duty at the training ground in the Brest region during the Union Courage-2022 Russia-Belarus military drills in Belarus (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

Media reports on Wednesday revealed that the Turkish military is contemplating the deployment of Russian-manufactured S-400 air defense systems along the southeastern border with Iraq as part of efforts to confront Iraqi Kurdish militants.

The Turkiye newspaper reported that Turkey has been relocating military equipment to the border with Iraq in anticipation of a significant operation aimed at targeting positions held by the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The deployment is anticipated to accelerate following the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Turkey has garnered support for the operation from the Iraqi government in Baghdad, although it holds limited influence in the mountainous Iraqi Kurdistan region, widely regarded as a stronghold of the outlawed PKK.

Baghdad is currently in the process of fixing a pipeline that has been closed for a decade, which could permit it to send 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) to Turkey by the end of the month.

The PKK and its affiliates damaged the pipeline as they opposed the exploitation and sale of Kirkuk oil, viewing it as contrary to their agenda.

In 2019, Turkey's relationship with the US deteriorated when Ankara purchased Russian S-400 surface-to-air long-range missile systems. In retaliation for Turkey's refusal to cancel the multibillion-dollar deal with Russia, the US expelled Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program in April 2021.

Later that year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned that the US proposed that Turkey purchases F-16 jets, which are one generation behind the F-35s. But the deal required approval from the US Congress and faced strong opposition from many lawmakers.

The objection was primarily linked to Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO bid, which Turkey ratified last month. In July 2022, the US House of Representatives passed a defense budget amendment, preventing the sale of F-16s to Turkey as long as it continues violating Greece's airspace.

On January 26, Turkey officially approved Sweden's NATO membership, and on January 27, the US approved a $23 billion deal to sell F-16 warplanes to Turkey.