UN chief condemns PKK attacks in Turkey

NEW YORK – Anadolu Agency

Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon. AFP Photo

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sept. 8 condemned the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) recent attacks in Turkey which have killed dozens of soldiers and police officers since Sept. 6.

“[Ban] conveys his condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his deep sympathy to the government and people of Turkey,” read a statement issued by his spokesperson.

Thirteen Turkish police officers were killed Sept. 8 in a bomb attack by PKK militants. 

The attack in the eastern province of Iğdır came two days after 16 Turkish soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb attack in southeastern Hakkari province.

“The secretary-general is gravely concerned by the increase in violence and urges immediate de-escalation of tensions and hostilities. He continues to monitor the situation closely, including its possible impact on the region,” the U.N. statement said.

Turkey has responded to the PKK’s attacks by launching airstrikes on the outlawed group’s bases in northern Iraq and the army has sent ground troops across the border to track down those behind the Sept. 6 blast, which was the deadliest since the PKK renewed its armed offensive at the end of July.

On July 29, the U.N. chief said Turkey was exercising its right to self-defense as defined by the U.N. charter in its military operations against the PKK.

Article 51 of the charter allows countries to engage in self-defense against an armed attack.