PKK and Turkey: A Humanitarian Perspective Amid Rising Tensions

Background

The conflict between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is one of the longest-running insurgencies in the Middle East, with deep political, ethnic, and humanitarian implications. The PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization, has fought for Kurdish autonomy since 1984, mainly in southeastern Turkey. More recently, the PKK has extended operations into Syria and Iraq, creating an international dimension to the conflict. The renewed violence, such as the reported October 2024 attack on a Turkish arms factory by alleged PKK militants, has heightened tensions and further exacerbated the humanitarian fallout for civilian populations across the region.

Humanitarian Issues in Turkey and Syria

The Turkish military’s response to PKK attacks often involves airstrikes and operations in areas heavily populated by civilians, particularly in Kurdish-majority regions of southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. These military actions have led to significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. For instance, Turkish airstrikes in northeast Syria have targeted not only military assets but also critical civilian infrastructure like water and power facilities, leaving millions without access to clean water, electricity, or fuel​

The displacement of civilians is another major concern. Turkey’s military operations, often justified as a response to PKK activities, have displaced thousands of people, adding to the ongoing refugee crisis. In regions like Rojava (northeast Syria), already burdened by the aftermath of ISIS’s occupation, Turkey’s airstrikes have destroyed key infrastructure. These attacks have affected access to basic services such as healthcare, and the destruction of water facilities has triggered severe shortages, leading to further displacement​

PKK, Kurdish Forces, and U.S. Collaboration Against ISIS

The PKK and its affiliates, such as the Syrian Kurdish militia YPG (People’s Protection Units), played a crucial role in the fight against ISIS in Syria. Backed by the U.S.-led coalition, these Kurdish forces were instrumental in dismantling ISIS’s territorial control, especially in key battles like those in Kobani and Raqqa.

However, after the defeat of ISIS, the U.S. faced significant pressure from Turkey, a NATO ally that views the YPG as indistinguishable from the PKK. In 2019, when Turkey launched military operations against Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria, the U.S. largely withdrew its forces, leaving Kurdish fighters vulnerable to Turkish attacks. This move has been widely criticized for abandoning an ally that played a decisive role in the anti-ISIS campaign, further straining the already fragile humanitarian situation in the region​

Impact of Turkey’s Counterterrorism Operations

While Turkey’s government frames its military actions as counterterrorism, the operations have often resulted in civilian harm. In many cases, the indiscriminate nature of these strikes violates international humanitarian law, which demands the protection of civilian infrastructure during armed conflict​

The destruction of water resources, for example, has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The closure of the Alouk water station, following Turkish airstrikes, left over a million people in Hasakah, Syria, without regular water access​

PKK Tactics and Civilian Impact

Conversely, PKK tactics, including attacks in urban centers, have also put civilians at risk. By targeting military and strategic assets, like the recent strike on an arms factory in Ankara, the PKK perpetuates a cycle of retaliation. These attacks often provoke large-scale Turkish military operations, further endangering civilians and triggering broader humanitarian crises. Both sides of the conflict have been criticized for violating human rights, with civilians caught in the crossfire​

The humanitarian toll of the Turkey-PKK conflict is profound, with millions of people in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq affected by the ongoing violence. Turkish airstrikes targeting PKK strongholds frequently devastate civilian infrastructure, compounding the struggles of already vulnerable populations. As both parties continue their military strategies, the international community must address the escalating humanitarian disaster, pressuring both Turkey and the PKK to respect international humanitarian laws and prioritize the protection of civilians.