PKK-Turkey Conflict Escalates in Batifa: Peshmerga Wounded, Civilian’s House Destroyed

 Peregraf 

Tensions in the Batifa district of Duhok province have intensified as heavy clashes between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish army continued throughout the night. In two separate incidents, a Peshmerga fighter was wounded by an unidentified drone, and a civilian’s house was destroyed by the Turkish army.

On the afternoon of January 26, 2025, a Peshmerga fighter sustained injuries in the Batifa district. An Iraqi border guard officer stationed in Zakho, who requested anonymity, informed Peregraf that the Peshmerga's vehicle was targeted by a drone, though it remains unclear whether it was operated by the PKK or the Turkish army.

Commenting on the incident, Farhad Mahmood, the governor of Batifa district, told Peregraf: “The incident itself was not significant, but it has been exaggerated. The Peshmerga, who was off duty at the time, was struck while driving home from the Zreze area. It is unclear whether the attack involved a projectile or a bullet.”

Regarding the identity and condition of the injured Peshmerga, Amir Ali, head of health information in Zakho, stated: “The injured individual is Jassim Mohammed, 50 years old. He sustained a shot wound to the back and is currently in stable condition.”

The border guard officer further reported that a civilian's residence was targeted and suffered extensive damage. According to information obtained by Peregraf from a reliable source, the civilian's house was “blown up by the Turkish army and completely destroyed.”

The border guard officer attributed the recent escalation in Batifa to ongoing clashes between PKK guerrillas and the Turkish army, stating: “The fighting lasted from last night until this morning.” He also clarified that border guard forces are not involved in the conflict, emphasizing: “We are not part of the fighting and remain stationed at our designated posts.”

These incidents follow the deaths of two Peshmerga fighters who were killed in a clash between PKK guerrillas and Iraqi border guards in the Batifa district two days prior.

In response to the heightened tensions, the main road connecting Batifa and Begova districts was temporarily closed.

“The road was closed for a short period but has since been reopened. The security forces now have full control of the situation, and there is no cause for public concern,” the governor of Batifa reassured.