Turkey shuts minor border gate with Kurdistan because of PKK activity
DUHOK, Kurdistan Region – Turkey temporarily closed a border crossing with Duhok province due to alleged activities of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
“Turkey closed the gate temporarily on Tuesday due to PKK activities in Kani Mase area,” a source told Rudaw.
Sarbast Akraye, a municipal official from Kani Mase, also confirmed the report.
Turkish media reported the Hakkari governor also confirmed the gate had been shut.
Governor Idris Akbiyik said the gate will stay closed until he orders it open, Hakkari Haber news agency reported.
The Sarzer border crossing near Duhok’s Amedi town was opened four years ago. It is typically open 8 am to 5 pm and sees as many as 750 people passing through daily.
The PKK has its headquarters in the Kurdistan Region’s Qandil mountain area. Turkey regularly conducts cross-border operations against alleged PKK positions, launching airstrikes and occasionally ground incursions.
Efforts are underway to reopen the crossing.