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State Department condemns attacks on Kurdistan oil fields and welcomes PKK weapons-laying moves; urges Iraq to protect territory
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Summary
A State Department spokesperson said attacks on oil fields in the Kurdistan Region imperil Iraq’s stability, called on the Iraqi government to protect its territory, and described public PKK weapons-surrender gestures as a welcome step.
Tammy, a State Department spokesperson, said in response to reporter questions that recent attacks targeting oil fields in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region "imperil Iraq's stability and economic future." She said the government of Iraq "has a duty to protect its territory and all of its citizens" and that the United States remained committed to partners working to build a "stable, federal, and sovereign state."
On a related question about the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Tammy said videos and public ceremonies showing members burning or surrendering weapons were "a welcome step." She added that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remain an important partner in the fight against ISIS and suggested that laying down arms is a positive move toward reducing threat vectors.
Tammy said she had issued and would make available a formal statement on attacks against oil infrastructure in Kurdistan; the briefing emphasized concern for international companies operating in the region and the broader implications for Iraq’s economy and security. The State Department said it would continue to follow developments and provide additional comment in subsequent statements.
