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Iraq-Turkey tensions high

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Tensions between Turkey and Iraq are running high with Iraqi authorities accusing Ankara of shelling border villages in the north.

According to the Iraqi authorities, Turkish forces had launched artillery attacks and undertaken aerial bombardment in the northern province of Dohuk, 430 km north-east of Baghdad. The area has a majority Kurdish population.

An Iraqi military official said around 250 shells had been fired into Iraq, without causing any casualties.

“The Iraqi Government regrets the Turkish military operations against border cities and towns,” said Government spokesman, Ali Al-Dabbagh. Mr. Al Dabbagh called for negotiations between Baghdad and Ankara to defuse the crisis.

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