The defense chief’s comments came in response to opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Deputy Tulay Hatimogulları mentioned during budget hearings recent allegations that Turkey’s armed forces were using chemical weapons in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.

“There is no geographical region in Turkey or outside of Turkey called Kurdistan,” Akar said.

When HDP deputy Garo Paylan asked about Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Akar said, “It does not exist.”

Akar had visited the region in January, when he met with Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani to discuss anti-terrorism efforts.

In 2020, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had also met with KRG President Nechirvan Barzani.

Speaking at the budget hearings, Akar denied the existence of any chemical weapons in possession of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

“There are no gases or chemical weapons in the inventory of the TSK in any way. This is not at all in question. When experts look into (claims), they very clearly see that there is no such thing within the TSK,” Akar said.

Those who wish to hinder Turkey’s cross-border operations against groups it has designated terrorist regularly put forth claims of banned weapons, Akar said.

Reporter's code: 50101