Iraq reports 398 Turkish violations to the UN

Iraq has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations regarding 398 Turkish violations of its territory and airspace. According to a letter sent by Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, these incidents occurred between May 1 and August 31, 2026.

The recorded violations include 161 incidents in May, 154 in June, 61 in July, and 22 in August. The Iraqi government maintains that these actions violate its national sovereignty and contravene the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Turkey has rejected these allegations in an official response. Ankara asserts that it is exercising its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter to address terrorist threats originating from Iraq, citing a power vacuum exploited by terrorist organizations. Turkey stated that any criticism regarding its exercise of this right is ‘unacceptable’ and that its actions are necessary for national security.