What To Make of Turkey's Renewed Offensive in Northern Iraq.

Turkey has launched a limited military offensive in northern Iraq to eliminate the threat posed by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. However, fears of international backlash will likely prevent Turkey from expanding its offensive into other nearby Iraqi provinces or Syria. Turkey's objective to cut PKK supply lines into Turkey may remain incomplete. The Turkish military has conducted airstrikes and ground operations in Iraq's Duhok province, resulting in the destruction of agricultural lands and the advancement of Turkish military into villages. Turkey's offensive is motivated by security concerns and economic aspirations, as well as the PKK's presence in Iraq and Syria. Turkey aims to establish a security corridor to clear the region of the PKK and its affiliates. The PKK may conduct reprisal attacks on Turkish military positions in northern Iraq and major Turkish cities. Turkey's ground operations may face logistical challenges and resistance, hindering its ability to fully achieve its objectives. The Gara Mountains, a strategic location used by the PKK, will likely be targeted through drone attacks and airstrikes. Turkey is unlikely to expand its operations into Syria or other provinces of northern Iraq in the near term. Turkey's wider plan is to establish a security corridor that encompasses areas controlled by the PKK and YPG in Iraq and Syria, respectively. Turkey's military operations are unlikely to expand beyond northern Iraq to include Syrian territories in the near term. Turkey's relations with regional and international actors may become strained, leading to pressure to limit or halt operations. Turkey's military efforts may ultimately prove unsuccessful in breaking [Extracted from the article]