Turkey has escalated pressure on Bafel Talabani, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), over alleged ties to Kurdish armed groups labeled as terrorists by Ankara. Tensions have been mounting between Turkey and the PUK, with Ankara accusing Talabani of collaborating with PKK-linked factions in Syria. Recent developments have shifted the balance in Turkey’s favor, with Ankara banning flights to Sulaymaniyah, a PUK stronghold, and issuing strong condemnations targeting Talabani. Turkey has also intensified military operations against the PKK in northern Iraq, in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Baghdad.
Amid pressure from Turkey, Talabani has faced warnings and indirect talks through intelligence channels. Internal splits within the PUK have weakened his position, with Lahur and Qubad Talabani gaining strength and potentially challenging his leadership in upcoming elections. While Talabani denies cooperating with the PKK, opposition to Turkish operations persists in Iraq. The situation remains complex, with implications for the political landscape in the Kurdistan region.
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