The Facts
Iraqi Kurdish and Turkish officials stated on Wednesday that a cluster of rockets targeted a Turkish military base in northern Iraq, reportedly causing no injuries or damage.
The Islamic Resistance Ahrar al-Iraq Brigade, which is part of Iraq’s Iran-backed paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Spin
Narrative A
Turkish troops fighting terrorism in Iraq and Syria have occasionally been harassed and attacked by terrorists who wrongly believe that this can prevent Turkey from eradicating them. Nobody should doubt that such attacks will only boost Ankara's response, including taking steps Baghdad should take.
Narrative B
Despite receiving little global attention, Turkey's incursions across the widely depopulated Iraqi Kurdistan risk further destabilizing the region as its increased military presence is likely to embolden Iran to expand intelligence operations and military action in Iraq. Ankara has miscalculated the consequences of its steps and should halt its activities there.
