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Iraq says it has detained PKK-linked cell suspected of planning attacks

Iraq said on Monday it had apprehended three people connected to the forbidden Kurdistan Workers Celebration (PKK) and presumed of planning attacks throughout the nation, consisting of on an essential oil export pipeline in the north.

Interior ministry authorities showed press reporters three suspects worn yellow one-piece suits with their faces covered by masks and stated they had comprised a cell connected to the PKK.

An investigation showed that these PKK members had strategies to attack the Ceyhan oil pipeline connecting Kirkuk, Erbil and Duhok to Turkey, Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Muqdad Meeri told an interview in Baghdad.

Meeri said that the 3 had admitted to setting sabotage fires at industrial markets in the Kurdistan area including the city of Kirkuk over the past couple of months.

He stated the current fires had actually sustained losses of around $300. million and were purchased by the PKK as a part of a project to. attack the industrial interests of a neighbouring state, which. Iraqi security authorities stated was Turkey.

The PKK, which has bases around northern Iraq, is designated. a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European. Union. The group introduced a revolt in southeast Turkey in. 1984 in which more than 40,000 individuals have been killed.

Turkish forces frequently perform strikes in neighbouring. Iraq as part of its offensive versus PKK militants based there.

Iraq has stepped up pressure on the PKK since the check out of. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad in April.

Meeri said the detained suspects had actually likewise prepared to attack. hectic markets locations in the capital Baghdad if there was pressure. from the federal government or government forces against them.

(source: Reuters)