Turkey in Northern Iraq 2026: Strikes, Bases & the PKK Exit

Conflict Location

Intelligence Summary

◆ By ConflictZone Intelligence Desk · AI-assisted, editorially reviewed · How we verify →

MEDIUM

Severity

Crisis

Type

0

Headlines (48h)

1h

Last Updated

Current Status

According to international news reports, Turkey continues conducting military operations against PKK and YPG positions in northern Iraq, with cross-border airstrikes and ground incursions remaining an ongoing concern.

Situation 2026

Reuters and AP report Turkey maintains active military presence in northern Iraq with periodic airstrikes against PKK positions
Al Jazeera and DW sources indicate cross-border artillery and drone strikes continue with fluctuating intensity
BBC reporting notes Iraqi government has expressed concern but possesses limited enforcement capacity in border regions
AP reports PKK maintains operational bases in Iraq despite Turkish military pressure
Sources indicate civilian populations in border areas remain affected by military operations

Background

Since 2015, Turkey has conducted sustained military operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate YPG in northern Iraq, citing national security concerns. Reuters and AP reports indicate the Iraqi government has limited capacity to prevent these cross-border operations. Turkish military actions have included airstrikes, artillery strikes, and ground raids targeting militant bases in Iraq's mountainous border regions.

Humanitarian Impact

UN and ICRC reports document displacement of civilian populations in border zones due to military operations
Regional humanitarian organizations report limited medical access and infrastructure damage in conflict-affected areas of northern Iraq
Sources indicate seasonal variation in civilian impact correlating with intensity of Turkish military campaigns

Outlook

Turkish military operations appear likely to persist given stated security objectives against PKK, though effectiveness and sustainability remain contested in international reporting. Iraqi government capacity constraints suggest limited near-term resolution absent diplomatic intervention.

Key Actors

Turkey (military operations)PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party)YPG (Kurdish People's Protection Units)Iraq (government with limited border control)Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)

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Conflict Timeline

1984-08-15

PKK Armed Struggle Begins

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) launches its armed insurgency against Turkey, initially from bases in Iraq's Kurdish regions. This marks the beginning of a decades-long conflict that would extend across borders.

1992-03-29

First Major Cross-Border Operation

Turkish military launches Operation Provide Comfort, conducting airstrikes and ground operations against PKK bases in northern Iraq. This establishes the pattern of Turkish cross-border military interventions.

2007-12-16

Operation Sun Dagger Launch

Turkey conducts extensive air and ground campaign against PKK positions in Iraq's Kandil Mountains. The operation involves thousands of troops and marks one of the largest cross-border offensives.

2015-07-20

Peace Process Collapses

The two-year ceasefire between Turkey and PKK ends following a suicide bombing in Suruç. Turkish military resumes widespread bombing campaigns against PKK targets in Iraq and Syria.

2017-04-25

YPG/PKK Link Established

Turkey intensifies operations against YPG in Syria and PKK in Iraq, treating them as connected terrorist organizations. Cross-border operations expand to target both groups simultaneously.

2022-08-04

Increased Drone Strikes Begin

Turkey escalates operations with intensive drone strikes and artillery against PKK bases in Iraq following attacks on Turkish territory. The campaign results in significant civilian displacement.

2023-04-17

PKK Leadership Targeted

Turkish airstrikes reportedly kill high-ranking PKK commanders in Kandil Mountains. Operations continue despite international pressure and Iraqi government protests.

2024-01-15

Ongoing Military Operations

Turkey maintains active military presence in Iraq with regular airstrikes and ground operations against PKK positions. Conflict remains unresolved with no peace negotiations on horizon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a war in northern Iraq right now?

Yes — the Iraq–Turkey Border Military Operations is an active conflict currently rated MEDIUM severity by ConflictZone. According to international news reports, Turkey continues conducting military operations against PKK and YPG positions in northern Iraq, with cross-border airstrikes and ground incursions remaining an ongoing concern.

Who is fighting in northern Iraq?

The main parties are Turkey vs PKK/YPG in Iraq. According to international news reports, Turkey continues conducting military operations against PKK and YPG positions in northern Iraq, with cross-border airstrikes and ground incursions remaining an ongoing concern.

Why did the Iraq–Turkey Border Military Operations start?

Since 2015, Turkey has conducted sustained military operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate YPG in northern Iraq, citing national security concerns. Reuters and AP reports indicate the Iraqi government has limited capacity to prevent these cross-border operations. Turkish military actions have included airstrikes, artillery strikes, and ground raids targeting militant bases in Iraq's mountainous border regions.

What is happening in northern Iraq today?

• Reuters and AP report Turkey maintains active military presence in northern Iraq with periodic airstrikes against PKK positions • Al Jazeera and DW sources indicate cross-border artillery and drone strikes continue with fluctuating intensity • BBC reporting notes Iraqi government has expressed concern but possesses limited enforcement capacity in border regions • AP reports PKK maintains operational bases in Iraq despite Turkish military pressure • Sources indicate civilian populations in border areas remain affected by military operations

How many people have died in the Iraq–Turkey Border Military Operations?

• UN and ICRC reports document displacement of civilian populations in border zones due to military operations • Regional humanitarian organizations report limited medical access and infrastructure damage in conflict-affected areas of northern Iraq • Sources indicate seasonal variation in civilian impact correlating with intensity of Turkish military campaigns

Is northern Iraq safe to visit in 2026?

ConflictZone rates the Iraq–Turkey Border Military Operations as MEDIUM severity. Conditions in an active conflict can change quickly — check your government's current travel advisory before travelling, and see the live map for the latest reported incident locations.

What happens next in the Iraq–Turkey Border Military Operations?

Turkish military operations appear likely to persist given stated security objectives against PKK, though effectiveness and sustainability remain contested in international reporting. Iraqi government capacity constraints suggest limited near-term resolution absent diplomatic intervention.

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