Overview

Since the 1980s Turkey has been conducting extensive military operations in Iraqi Kurdistan. Military operations have led to significant civilian impact through forced displacement, the construction of military bases, bombardments in various forms, injuries and casualties, environmental impact, cultural assimilation, and much more. In December 2017, Turkey started a series of on-the-ground “Claw” operations to create a buffer zone from the northeastern border region of Iraqi Kurdistan to the northwest. As a result, Turkey constructed 64 additional military bases, built extensive military road networks, deforested occupied regions, and displaced the indigenous Kurdish population.

After the conclusion of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988, Iran continued to impact civilians in the Erbil and Sulaymaniyah governorates through its cross-border bombardments and military bases on the border regions. Iran’s bombardments and military bases have led to displacement and depriving villagers from returning to their villages after the fall of the Baathist regime, injuries and casualties, agricultural desolation, and more. After 2011, Iran constructed up to 150 military bases from its southern border with Iraq to the north.

Both governments claim to conduct military operations inside Iraqi Kurdistan to target and eliminate Kurdish-armed rebel groups who work against the national security interests of both states. The stark reality is that there is a high civilian impact while also accomplishing ulterior military objectives.

Since 2006 CPT has been accompanying the farmers, villagers, and civilians impacted by the Turkish and Iranian military operations. CPT documents the impact of military operations, collects and records data, raises awareness, and amplifies the voices of impacted civilians. Through these methods, CPT advocates to both the local and international communities to stop bombardments that continuously injure or kills civilians. CPT has documentation on killed and injured civilians by Turkey or Iran since 1991.