Ban Ki-moon voices concern over Turkish air attacks against Iraq

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over yesterday’s Turkish air strikes into northern Iraq and reports of possible civilian casualties, as well as continued attacks by the armed group PKK.

In response to a question about the air attacks, United Nations spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters that “the Secretary-General is concerned that Turkey has launched air strikes into northern Iraq yesterday, and that there have been reports of possible civilian casualties,” while also noting that “thus far, there is no independent confirmation of developments on the ground.”

At the same time she said that Mr. Ban was “concerned at the continued intrusion of PKK elements carrying out terrorist attacks in Turkey from northern Iraq.” He appeals to the Governments of Iraq and Turkey to work together to prevent these kinds of attacks from continuing, she added.