PKK terrorists block implementing service projects in N.Iraq

BAGHDAD

The PKK terror group has prevented implementing vital service projects in villages under their control in northern Iraq, according to the governor of northern Dohuk province on Thursday.

In a news conference, Ali Tatar said project contracts were signed a few days ago to construct roads connecting 12 villages in Dohuk, but they were unable to launch the projects as the PKK has been preventing the implementation.

"The villages in Dohuk were destroyed in the course of the Anfal military operations (carried out by the former Iraqi regime) and the PKK continues such policy and prevents the reconstruction," Tatar added.

The anti-terror service in Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) said two members of the KRG's Peshmerga forces were killed in an attack by PKK terrorists in the Dohuk province on Wednesday.

In June, six other Peshmerga personnel were killed in separate attacks by the same terror group in Dohuk.

The PKK takes the Mt. Qandil area in northern Iraq as its stronghold and is active in many cities and towns.

The terror group often hides out in northern Iraq, just across Turkey’s southern border, to plot terror attacks in Turkey.

In its over 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara.