KRG MESSAGE ON ALLEGED TURKISH BORDER OPERATION

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003524

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2017
TAGS: MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER TU IZ
SUBJECT: KRG MESSAGE ON ALLEGED TURKISH BORDER OPERATION
AND EMBASSY/MNF-I RESPONSE

REF: BAGHDAD 03472

Classified By: Ambassador Ryan Crocker for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)


1. (S) The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) communicated
to us October 14 information regarding alleged Turkish and
PKK intentions as noted in reftel. The text of that
communication is contained in para 2. In response to the KRG
message, Ambassador Crocker and MNF-I Commander General
Petraeus sent a joint response to the KRG leadership. Text
is contained in para 3.


2. (S) Begin text of KRG message:

Gentlemen,

We have been asked to pass the following information on to
the MNF-I/MNC-I leadership.

At 141630Oct07L, we met with Hemin Hewrami, Massoud
Barzani,s intelligence chief, in regards to the current
Turkish actions.

KRG has intelligence that the PKK is fighting back against
the Turkish action, which could validate Turkish offensive
operations across the (Iraqi) border.

The KRG has received intelligence from what they consider to
be reliable sources that the Turkish military is building up
for a possible military incursion to the depth of the Iraqi
Kurdistan Region. According to our (KRG Intel) sources, if
they decide to implement this cross-border operation, they
(Turks) have the intention to deploy within the following
areas in Iraqi Kurdistan. (Darkar Ajam in the Zakho
district, along Matin Mountain, and north of Amedi through
Nerwa and Doski area)

According to KRG Intel sources, Turkish military personnel,
military Intelligence units, and some Kurdish Mercenaries
(about 500 personnel all together) have prepared themselves
wearing Kurdish outfits and red scarves to disguise
themselves as KDP Peshmerga. The purpose is to infiltrate
from Shamzinan area into Barmeza Zet and other areas to
conduct dirty operations, using this as pretext for possible
incursion operations. The Turkish objective is to undermine
the political stability of the area/KRG.

Mr. Hewrami has provided the following quote on behalf of
President Barzani, &We will not allow Turks to fight and
conduct operations. We are willing to pull all of our troops
deployed throughout the ITO to defend the Kurdistan Region.8


Peshmerga forces have deployed along the border regions and
into the mountains.

Tomorrow 151500Oct07L, President Barzani as the
Commander)in-Chief of both the PDK and PUK will meet with
all commanders to discuss options.

If the Turks take action this cannot be allowed. We will
target every Turkish interest in the world. We are willing
to implement all methods to fight the Turks.

We will do anything to protect our people.

We understand the NATO relationship with the Turks, however
we cannot wait. We need action. We have done everything in
cooperation with the US, why are you not helping us?

The Turks have nothing to gain with offensive operations; the
KRG feels that dialogue with the Turks will prove to be the
best course of action.

We need an answer from MNF-I/MNC-I Commanders in the form of
a message as to what the coalition forces are willing to do
to lend support.

President Barzani has asked for a coalition response to these
question/concerns for his meeting.

(End Text)


3. (S) Text of joint COM/CG response:

We have reviewed the issues raised in the communication from
you on 14 Oct 2007.


BAGHDAD 00003524 002 OF 002


We understand your concerns about possible Turkish actions
across the border in the wake of terrorist attacks that
killed and injured dozens of Turkish soldiers and civilians.

Our intelligence information does not indicate the
preparations that would be associated with large-scale cross
border operations from Turkey.

We are working diligently to ensure continued cooperation
along the Turkish-Iraqi border. Very senior U.S. Department
of State and MNF-I officials have engaged Turkish leaders to
urge restraint and reinforce the importance of maintaining
the sovereignty of Iraq. The US Embassy will also engage
with representatives of the Government of Iraq, to include
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to address the issues you
raise.

We do not understand the statement threatening to withdraw
KRG troops from locations in Iraq to defend the Kurdistan
Region. We are unaware of KRG security forces deployed
outside the KRG, with the exception of the brigade employed
in northern Diyala Province. Any action or publicly stated
intention to withdraw Iraqi-Kurdish troops serving in the ISF
from throughout Iraq would have serious ramifications for
Iraq, the KRG, and the Coalition effort to support Iraq.

We strongly recommend that you not support or promote actions
that could further inflame this situation. One-step which
would be helpful would be for the KRG to reaffirm its
official position opposing terrorist organizations.

(End Text)
CROCKER