SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Security forces in Erbil prevented dozens of people from protesting against a Turkish operation inside the Kurdistan Region, Esta Media Network reporter said on Tuesday.
On April 18, Turkey launched a cross-border operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in several areas in Duhok province.
Turkish warplanes, helicopters and drones were part of the air and land operation in the Kurdistan Region against PKK facilities ranging from camps to ammunition stores.
A group of people gathered outside U.N. Headquarters in Erbil on Tuesday to protest against Turkey’s cross-border operation inside Kurdistan.
The security forces dispersed protesters by force as they arrived in the area, Esta’s reporter said.
“The security forces treated the protesters unhealthily,” he added.
Esta Media Network’s journalist team covering the protests were also attacked, according to the reporter.
A number of vehicles were seized, including the vehicle of Esta Media Network’s team.
The military action was part of a long-running Turkish campaign in Iraq and Syria against PKK fighters and the People’s Protection Units (YPG), both regarded as terrorist groups by Ankara.
Turkey regularly launches airstrikes into the Kurdistan Region and has sent commandos to support its offensives.