ERBIL — The Kurdistan Region’s Interior Ministry has refuted claims by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that they were targeted in a Peshmerga attack. The ministry condemned the party's 'misrepresentation and destructive' efforts in this matter.

According to the statement, the PKK-affiliated media falsely portrayed an attack by Peshmerga forces in the Amedi region. The Ministry clarified that on the afternoon of January 24, PKK fighters, located tens of kilometers away from the Turkish border in the Amedi region, launched an “unprovoked” attack on a checkpoint manned by Peshmerga forces.

“Subsequently, they targeted the same checkpoint with missiles. The Zeravani Peshmerga forces effectively defended themselves from their positions,” the statement added.

It emphasized that this “aggressive” act by PKK fighters is part of a series of attacks and “destructive actions” with the aim of undermining the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region. These actions, the statement continued, have become integral to a broader regional conspiracy against the foundational structure of the Kurdistan Region.

The Ministry of Interior asserted that the Kurdistan Region will not serve as a battleground for resolving regional conflicts. While endorsing all efforts and peaceful measures to address issues and establish peace and stability, the ministry emphasized the Region’s right to defend its forces and vehemently opposed any attempt to target them.

The PKK has bases across the border areas of the Kurdistan Region. In addition to drawing the Turkish army into the Region, it has posed a threat to Peshmerga forces numerous times in the past.