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