Turkish National Security Council to meet amid increasing tension with Iraq, Syria

The Turkish National Security Council’s monthly meeting comes at a time when Iraq appeals to Turkey and the world for respect to its sovereignty rights after artillery attack on a holiday resort killed at least nine on Wednesday. 

Iraq blamed Turkey for the attack and demanded an imminent withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from the country. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu denied responsibility in an interview with Turkish State TV.

Earlier a statement from the Foreign Ministry said “it assessed the attack to be organized by the terrorist organization,” referring to the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) but PKK denied involvement. 

Iraq declared a one day mourning on Thursday.

Turkish press say that the main agenda in today’s meeting will be preparations for a military operation against the areas under the control of the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) in Northern Syria, especially Tel Rifat and Manbij but the crisis in Duhok makes it difficult for Turkey to go forward in its plans to invade the region.

“A new operation will continue to be on our agenda as long as our national security concerns are not resolved,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.