In the harsh realities of Iraq’s ‘Forbidden Zone’—a strategic area predominantly under Turkish military control—lies the village of Sergele, in the mountainous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. Historically, the village has thrived on agriculture, particularly known for its pomegranates, almonds, and peaches. However, the recent surge of Turkish military presence threatens not only local farming livelihoods but also the overall safety of its residents.
Sergele, located roughly 16 kilometers from the Turkish border, has found itself increasingly encircled by Turkish military bases over the last couple of years. Many of these bases have been erected up and down the mountain ridges, with one notably situated above a small dam that is critical for the village’s water supply. With several bases now operational in close proximity, many locals like Sherwan Sergeli, a 50-year-old farmer, have voiced concerns about the encroachment, describing it as “a form of occupation of Kurdish lands”. The war between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has had dire consequences for innocent civilians, with the Conflict leaving them vulnerable to unintended injuries and deaths from military actions happening nearby.
The historical backdrop of this tension lies in the PKK, which has waged an insurgency against Turkey since the 1980s. In response, Turkish operations have intensified in the region, leading to what is now considered the “Forbidden Zone”—a desolate terrain, once fertile, that now witnesses significant military maneuvering and strategic battles. Reports indicate that Turkish drone and air strikes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties. According to human rights groups, including the Community Peacemaker Teams, hundreds have lost their lives due to the increasing military operations in this contested area.
Satellite imagery analyzed by the BBC reveals a dramatic escalation in Turkey’s military infrastructure, with more than 136 fixed installations built across northern Iraq. As of late 2024, Turkey is reported to control over 2,000 square kilometers of Iraqi territory. This militarization is not merely a flash-in-the-pan development; 89% of these bases have appeared since 2018, coinciding with a noticeable uptick in the Turkish military’s offensive strategies against the PKK. Roads connecting these bases have facilitated extensive deforestation and altered local ecosystems dramatically, highlighting the environmental ramifications of this military buildup.
The implications of this Turkish military presence extend beyond direct physical control; the Iraqi and Kurdish governments exhibit a complex relationship with Ankara, with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) appearing to accommodate Turkish interests. Despite vocal public condemnation of Turkish incursions, the region’s ruling party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), has historically downplayed the adverse effects of these military actions. KDP leaders assert that the Turkish military action is focused solely on neutralizing the PKK threat and does not seek to harm Kurdish civilians.
Moreover, the towns near the border, like Kani Masi, once flourishing with agricultural success, now paint a grim picture of abandonment and fear. Farmers, such as Salam Saeed, recount their inability to cultivate land shadowed by looming Turkish bases—highlighting both the psychological and economic toll. Here, residents navigate a hostile environment, where drones surveil them incessantly. Those who dare to protest or seek accountability face significant repercussions, as seen when Hashem Shaker was detained for eight months after he attempted to file a complaint concerning an air strike that claimed the life of a family member.
The impossibly tangled web of military strategy, local governance, international relations, and human suffrage paints a somber image of life in Iraq’s Forbidden Zone. In a place where every tree and mountain ridge might harbor threats, local communities have become collateral in a broader geopolitical conflict, one that, as of now, shows no signs of resolution. The ongoing violence only fuels resentment, and as Turkish military operations continue unabated, the plight of villages like Sergele lays bare the human costs of persistent geopolitical strife.