ERBIL — The security forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Sulaymaniyah have shut down several companies and organisations linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), despite the PUK leadership often portraying themselves as supporters of the PKK, according to BasNews.
On Tuesday, December 31, PUK security forces simultaneously raided and closed down the organizations Newgar, Marziya, and RJAK, along with the company Gizngi Barbayan.
While these groups claim to operate in fields such as artistic development, women’s empowerment, and media, reports allege that all of them are affiliated with the PKK and serve its interests in Sulaymaniyah.
The company Gizngi Barbayan, which produces programs for the PKK-affiliated Zhn TV, issued a statement via PKK media condemning the closures.
It described the action as “subordination to the decision of the Kurdistan invaders” and vowed to reopen its headquarters.
The PUK security forces and party-affiliated media have yet to release an official statement explaining the reasons for the closures.
However, analysts speculate that the move may reflect a covert understanding between the PUK and Turkey.
Earlier this month, PUK senior leader and KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani met with Turkish Ambassador to Iraq Anıl Bora İnan to discuss regional security developments.
Observers suggest this meeting could be connected to the recent actions against PKK-affiliated entities in Sulaymaniyah.