Sulaimani is the second biggest city in Kurdistan Region.

On Monday, June 15, Turkish forces launched a series of airstrikes across northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, hitting targets in Qandil, Makhmour, Haji Omaran, and Mount Sinjar and has continued daily airstrikes since then. It also began a ground operation in Duhok governorate on Wednesday.

During a press conference in Antalya, Cavusoglu said that the Turkish army's operations in northern Iraq were against PKK. "The PKK has entered the city of Sulaimani and the areas around it and has taken the control of hundreds of areas. PKK also presses the political parties there. It also poses threats to us from there. The claw operation will continue until the terrorists are cleared of the area. This is very important for both us and Iraq."

"In regard to why they were removed, I must announce that some of them used the money coming from the treasury to support the terrorists. which country could overlook the problem? There must be a separation. "The power of politicians elected by people must be separated from the category of supporting terrorists." the foreign minister said about the reasons behind the dismissal of Turkey pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) mayors, according to Haber Turk newspaper.

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Turkish ambassador twice in three days last week to lodge formal protests.

Twice last week, demonstrators protesting the Turkish operations have been out on the streets of Sulaimani.

Reporter’s code: 50101