“Two specific sets of planned attacks, including one set by the PKK, were uncovered and prevented through the close coordination of police, security, intelligence and counter-terrorism officials across the Kurdistan Region,” the region’s security council said in a statement.

At least 12 suspects with links to the PKK, as well as a number of other persons of interest planned to attack a foreign diplomatic mission in Erbil; assassinate members of that foreign mission; and carry out attacks on private companies from that country operating in the Kurdistan Region, the statement explained.

The suspects also planned an attack on a major western brand in Kurdistan, the statement said, explaining that the Kurdish security forces intercepted the suspects and carried out several arrests including of two Syrian nationals.

Reporter’s code: 50101