Baghdad: Security and military expert Sarmed Kazim Al-Bayati has announced that Iraq plans to request the withdrawal of Turkish forces from its territory following the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Bayati stated that the initial phase of disarming the PKK has commenced symbolically with 30 fighters. The Iraqi government anticipates a reciprocal action from Turkey to fulfill the disarmament agreement, which is structured to be completed within a five-month timeline as part of the peace process.

The expert highlighted that the PKK’s strength is estimated at around 10,000 fighters, primarily positioned in the caves and mountains of the Kurdistan Region, notably in Qandil and Zakho. The critical issue remains whether these fighters will continue to reside in Iraqi territory post-disarmament.

Al-Bayati elaborated that subsequent to the disarmament, Iraq intends to petition for the withdrawal of Turkish forces. He noted that Turkey currently justifies its military presence in Iraq under a UN counterterrorism resolution aimed at combating the PKK. The conclusion of the PKK disarmament would necessitate the removal of this justification, prompting the withdrawal of Turkish troops.

He further mentioned that Iraq and Turkey have reached an agreement to establish between 120 and 130 advanced border posts along their shared 312-kilometer border. This development is scheduled to occur following the PKK’s disarmament, enhancing border security between the two nations.