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Iran has also carried out strikes on Iraqi Kurdistan. A year ago, Tehran repeatedly bombed positions of various Iranian Kurdish opposition groups accused of involvement in protests that erupted in Iran after the death in custody of Jina Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman.
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Here are five takeaways from the interview:
- Prime Minister Sudani aims to address Iraq's longstanding issues of corruption and political instability. He sees his lifelong residence in Iraq as an asset in understanding the citizens' needs and priorities.
- Sudani is confronting multiple challenges including the growing influence of Iran, the entrenched corruption in the Iraqi governmental system, and the impact of global warming, particularly a fourth consecutive year of drought.
- To tackle corruption, Sudani plans to set up a civil service council to publicly post government job openings, although this would undermine the existing patronage system that allocates jobs based on sect and party affiliations.
- Sudani seeks international assistance for addressing environmental issues, particularly drought and desertification, which he calls "the most important challenge of the modern era."
- Security concerns continue to plague Iraq, notably Iranian influence and the unresolved case of a kidnapped Russian-Israeli dual citizen. These issues are detrimental to Iraq's reputation and counterproductive to al-Sudani's goals of economic development and foreign investment.
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PUK leader Bafel Talabani's statement in full, translated from Kurdish:
This criminal act represents a blatant violation of the border between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. It is part of a wider conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the peace and stability of the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the Sulaymaniyah border area.
In response to this violation, it is the collective duty of all political parties in the region to address security threats and challenges together to safeguard Kurdistan from its enemies.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the martyred Peshmerga, who are the guardians of Kurdistan's peace. We wish a rapid recovery for the injured. Furthermore, we urge the Iraqi government to fulfill its constitutional and national responsibilities to protect Iraqi territory and airspace, including that of Kurdistan, from such violations.
We call upon our international friends, nations worldwide, and all freedom fighters to take a serious stance and unite with us in stopping these terrorist acts.
Dear people of Kurdistan,
With trust in God and in you, we will overcome this challenging situation. Through our unity, we will establish stability in the region and confront all challenges.
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We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and wish a rapid recovery for those injured. We want to make it clear that this act of terrorism, guided by foreign agents and local spies, will not go unpunished. Comprehensive investigations are underway.
We are committed to bringing all parties and spies involved to justice, in accordance with the laws of our nation. We will not allow the sacrifices of our martyred Peshmerga to be in vain; their retribution is our responsibility.
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- The Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG) of the PUK has verified the deaths of three of its members and injuries to another three in today's drone assault.
- PUK leader Bafel Talabani "strongly condemns the terrorist attack," labeling them as a breach of the sovereignty of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Talabani calls for an immediate halt to such attacks and urges Baghdad to take measures to prevent similar incidents.
- Sulaymaniyah Governor Heval Abubakir has also denounced the attack.
- As of now, no one has been officially blamed for the incident.
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So on the basis of our constitution, the Iraqi Constitution, we dealt with these groups. But thank God, we were able to have this dialogue, positive dialogue and negotiation with the Iranian side, so that they will stop attacking Iraqi Kurdistan, (and) as a result, attacking Iraq."
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More talks to come – once the KRG runs out of money again
The KRG intends to resume talks with the Iraqi government after exhausting an allocation of 700 billion dinars for civil servant salaries, according to Voice of America Kurdish.
VOA cites KDP MP Shwan Mohammed Rostam, who stated that the payment to the Kurdistan Region will not resolve all issues but will alleviate financial pressures on Erbil until new negotiations can commence.
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An Iraqi security and military delegation led by Araji is scheduled to visit the border areas between Iraq and Iran later today, with specific focus on the Bradost region in Erbil province, according to a KRG official cited by London-based Al-Araby Jadid.
The official also noted that the United Nations will participate in the meeting to address the situation of families and other individuals who will be displaced due to the vacating of Iranian opposition group bases.
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Attack on KNK HQ in Erbil, fatalities reported by local media
The headquarters of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Erbil was attacked, leaving an unspecified number of people dead, according to preliminary reports.
A Sharpress reporter on the scene indicated that security forces swiftly arrived and began their investigation. According to Sharpress, initial communications with KNK officials suggest that the authorities are treating the incident as an 'individual act' rather than an organized attack.
Details remain limited at this time, and it is unclear who is responsible for the attack or what motivated it. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Conflicting reports on airport explosition at a military airport in Sulaymaniyah.
Unconfirmed reports of a drone attack targeting Arabat Agricultural Airport in Sulaymaniyah province have emerged, while others suggest an explosion occurred. The airport is used for training by PUK security forces (more specifically, the party's Counter-Terrorism Group).
Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident, which reportedly resulted in multiple injuries. Local media reports indicate that security forces and emergency crews have responded to the scene.
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The PUK is set to hold its fifth Congress, aiming to instill a 'renewed sense of optimism among its constituency' while planning a ;comprehensive revamp' of the party's program and structure, according to Stran Abdullah, a member of the PUK Political Bureau.
In an interview with GKTV, Abdullah conveyed the party’s intention to foster innovation and safeguard decisions "with blood," emphasizing the PUK's preference for forming alliances and engaging in collaborative efforts.
Abdullah acknowledged the party's historical struggles, stating that these have affected the well-being and livelihoods of the populace. He added that had there been a concerted effort to align with the PUK's objectives, "the fundamental entitlements of our nation would have been safeguarded, and the aspirations of our citizenry would have been realized."
The congress, scheduled for Sept. 27, comes after a period of internal tensions and leadership disputes within the party. As previously reported, Bafel Talabani, eldest son of the late leader Jalal Talabani, is poised for a leadership sweep. Talabani recently dismantled the party's co-leadership structure, drawing criticism from members who see the move as stifling democratic discourse.
Some senior party members have expressed skepticism about the hasty organization of the congress, questioning its ability to effect meaningful change. Even the participation of Barham Salih, the former president of Iraq and a prominent PUK member, remains uncertain.
The PUK’s fifth conference aims to centralize decision-making and tackle lingering issues, according to Leadership Council member Bestoon Sabrawi. The gathering in Qalachwalan, Sulaymaniyah province, will mark the party’s first major event since the collapse of its co-leadership system, and is expected to attract 600 delegates.
In the wake of its internal struggles, this congress will be closely watched both by its members and those interested in the broader political landscape of Kurdistan and Iraq.
Abdullah ended his remarks by underscoring the PUK's commitment to the interests of the Kurdish people, stating that safeguarding these interests, particularly the lives of citizens, is a primary focus within the party's operational framework.
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Gulf Cooperation Council calls on Iraq to take ‘urgent’ measure on maritime deal with Kuwait
Full statement
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Just In: Iraq's Ministry of Finance dismisses claims of attempted cybersecurity Breach
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Just in: Parliament postpones vote on Halabja provincehood – Again
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In a predominantly Kakai neighborhood of Erbil province, a katyusha rocket has landed near a school. It didn't explode on impact and has been removed of by bomb disposal unit.
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Iraqi PM lands in Manhattan
Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani arrives in Manhattan for the 78th session of the UN's General Assembly.
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Turkish strike kills 4 PKK members in northern Iraq – officials
"A senior official from the Kurdistan Workers' Party and three fighters were killed when a Turkish army drone targeted their vehicle in the Jal Mir region on Mount Sinjar," said a statement from Iraqi Kurdistan's counter-terrorism services.
The PKK, designated a "terrorist" organization by Ankara and its Western allies, has been fighting a four-decade insurgency against the Turkish state. The conflict has often spilled over into northern Iraq, where the Turkish military regularly conducts operations against PKK bases in autonomous Kurdistan and the Sinjar district.
Sinjar is also home to the Sinjar Resistance Units, a local Yazidi movement affiliated with the PKK. The group confirmed the deaths of "three of our comrades" in a statement, attributing the attack to Turkey.
Turkey has established dozens of military bases in Iraqi Kurdistan over the past 25 years to counter the PKK. Last August, seven PKK members were killed in northern Iraq in two drone strikes coinciding with a visit by Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, to Iraq.
Both the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have faced criticism for allegedly tolerating Turkey's military activities to maintain economic ties. While statements from Baghdad occasionally condemn Turkey's violation of Iraqi sovereignty, the strikes continue to impact civilians. A summer 2022 strike attributed to Turkey on a tourist resort in northern Iraq killed nine people, mostly vacationers from southern Iraq. Turkey has denied responsibility for the attack, blaming the PKK.
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The PUK says main opposition party 'stands against salaries of Kurdistan people'
Party officials have publicly criticized the New Generation Movement (NGM) for allegedly putting its 'own interests above those of the Kurdistan Region's citizens' during recent budget talks. These comments were made in interviews with PUKMedia, the PUK's official media outlet.
Harem Kamal Agha, leader of the PUK faction in the Iraqi parliament, singled out Srwa Abdulwahid, the leader of NGM in Baghdad (and sister of party leader Shaswar Abdulwahid), for not advocating sufficiently for the people during crucial budget talks in Baghdad. "When the KRG delegation arrived in Baghdad, Abdulwahid was not prepared to demand the salaries of the Kurdistan Regional Government," Agha told PUKMedia.
The criticism comes on the heels of the Iraqi Council of Ministers' decision to allocate 700 billion dinars to the KRG for a period of three months. While PUK and other Kurdish factions greeted the KRG delegation in Baghdad, NGM was notably absent from these discussions.
Sozan Mansour, a spokesperson for the PUK faction in the Iraqi Parliament, also expressed disappointment at NGM's absence during the critical talks in Baghdad. "Only New Generation was not with the Kurdish parties on the issue of salaries and budget," Mansour stated.
According to the PUK, NGM's absence and alleged lack of support during these talks reveals a discrepancy between the party's public statements and actions, suggesting they are not genuinely aligned with the welfare of the Kurdistan Region's citizens. Mansour added that NGM "chooses to remain silent and does not take any positive steps" when it comes to matters affecting the people.
It's not clear whether the NGM was even invited to this meet and greet. Nor if the PUK and KDP would even want them there if they did wish to attend. Though it is true that the NGM have rebuffed attempts at 'expressing Kurdish unity' in the past. Presumably because the ruling parties are only interested in displaying unity when they're really in the mud. The PUK themselves have been elusive in PM Masrour Barzani's delegations abroad or to Baghdad until last week's hail mary dash to Baghdad. The 'unity' push came one day after a bombshell report by Al-Monitor's Amberin Zaman shed light on a letter allegedly penned by Barzani to Joe Biden warning of the KRG's collapse if things continue the way they are. Note that the USA and other Western allies have been practically begging the KRG's ruling parties to get their house in order and foster a sense of unity for years as frictions between the PUK and KDP bring the Kurdistan Region's institutions to a virtual standstill. The PUK's own Deputy PM Qubad Talabani boycotted cabinet meetings for six full months.
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Qasim Al-Araji's Facebook post on the visit
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Morning briefing
Key updates
- Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji leads a high-level delegation to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), to discuss the implementation of a security agreement with Iran.
- Tehran has set a Sept. 19 ultimatum for the disarmament of Kurdish opposition groups based in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
- Iraq has requested an extension of the deadline, citing efforts to tighten border security and remove Iranian opposition forces from the region.
- Iranian foreign ministry confirms its expectation for the Iraqi government to fulfill the security agreement.
The story
High-level security talks are currently underway between Iraq and Iran, focusing primarily on the disarmament of Kurdish opposition groups based in the Kurdistan Region.
Araji arrived in Erbil to spearhead these talks, following up on a security pact signed between Iraq and Iran last March. The agreement, which originally had a September 19 deadline, aimed at securing the border regions and disarming Kurdish opposition groups labeled as "terrorists" by Iran.
Iran has repeatedly accused the KRG of harboring groups that instigate attacks and unrest against the Islamic Republic. These groups include the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (PDKI), Komala, Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). Last year, Iranian armed forces launched attacks, including drone and missile strikes, on alleged positions of these groups in the Kurdistan region.
Waad Qado, a member of the Iraqi parliament’s security and defense committee, announced that Iraq has requested an extension of the deadline to fully implement border security measures. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also indicated that several groups have already been disarmed and are being relocated to undisclosed locations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani reiterated Iran's stance, stating that the Islamic Republic expects full implementation of the security agreement by the Iraqi government. Tehran has also threatened military action should the agreement not be met by the stipulated deadline.
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