Turkish Forces Target Christian Homes and Churches in Iraq: Rudaw

Turkish forces have targeted several villages in northern Iraq as part of their military operations that began last month, according to the Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, which adds that homes and churches belonging to local Christians have been damaged.

The "Claw Lightning" operation, which started on April 24, is focused on the regions of Avashin, Basyan, and Metina in Dohuk. Local residents report that as a result of the actions, more than 246 hectares of farmland have been burned, around 21.5 hectares of forest land have been scorched, residents have been injured, and buildings have been destroyed.

Analyst Seth Frantzman wrote in the Jerusalem Post that, according to local claims, the real terrorism is occurring as a result of Turkey's airstrikes, which utilize drones, aircraft, and even artillery. The analyst noted that Turkey's actions appear to be aimed at carrying out ethnic cleansing.

"It is hard not to see a connection between Turkey's regular targeting of Christian, Yazidi, and Kurdish minority areas and the total ethnic cleansing and displacement of minorities in Iraq and Syria," Frantzman stated, adding that Turkey's actions have created dangerous conditions for many minorities in Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East.