UPDATE - Türkiye asks Iraq not to make statements on Duhok attack 'under influence' of PKK terrorist group

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Türkiye has asked Iraqi government officials not to make statements on Wednesday's attack in Duhok province "under the influence of rhetoric and propaganda" of terrorist organization PKK.

"We invite Iraqi government officials ... to cooperate in bringing the real perpetrators of this tragic incident into light," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Noting that Türkiye is against all kinds of attacks targeting civilians, it said: "Türkiye carries out its fight against terrorism in accordance with international law, with utmost sensitivity to the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, historical and cultural property and the environment.

"It is considered that such attacks which aim at innocent civilians and are assessed to be organized by the terrorist organization, target our country's just and determined stance in the fight against terrorism," it said, adding that Ankara is ready to take all steps to reveal the truth.

The ministry also conveyed its condolences to the relatives of eight people, who according to preliminary reports, lost their lives in Wednesday's streamside attack in the Duhok's Zakho district, as well as to "the friendly and brotherly people and the Government of Iraq."

It also wished speedy recovery to the 23 injured, saying that the country received the news with "deep sorrow."

Meanwhile, Turkish security sources also rejected the reports "in support of the terrorist organization PKK/KCK" which claimed that the civilians lost their lives due to "shelling" by Turkish forces.

The terrorist organization has come to the point of disintegration as a result of operations in northern Iraq, the sources said, adding that it was looking for a way out through "lies and disinformation."

Such reports were broadcast "to distract attention and create a perception," and it was understood that the incident in question was organized by terrorists, the sources said.