The Turkman leader Fawzi Akram Tarzi revealed the existence of sleeping cells of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) expanding in six Iraqi provinces. In a press interview, Tarzi stated that the PKK is pursuing a long-term plan to gain security and military control over regions by spreading sleeping cells that expand day by day in various ways, including through the slogans of organizations and humanitarian programs, which involve spending millions of dollars to directly attract youth.
He added that the PKK obtains millions of dollars through smuggling operations in Sinjar and other areas, funding what is known as soft power to expand in cities and rural areas and to form strongholds. He pointed out that PKK cells have now expanded into six provinces.
Tarzi emphasized the need to pay attention to what is happening due to its danger, as it poses a growing threat over time, especially since attempts to recruit youth are extremely perilous. He highlighted that recent events in Nineveh necessitate a serious stand against the recruitment of young people and women.
He continued by asserting that the security of Iraq is a red line across all provinces, and the presence of an armed organization requires decisive options in combating its projects and agenda to protect internal security.
The PKK announced in October 2023 its withdrawal from the Makhmour camp, one of its strongholds in the southeast of Mosul, the center of Nineveh Province. The party justified its withdrawal by stating that it had completed its mission to protect the Kurdish refugees residing in the camp since their displacement from Turkey in the 1990s. However, political and security sources attributed the withdrawal to increased Turkish pressures and the Iraqi army's blockade of the camp, which has currently taken over the security file there.
