In a recent escalation of tensions, the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces were targeted by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in border areas of Duhok province. The attack took place early Saturday when PKK militants fired upon a Peshmerga checkpoint near Gali Rashava. Although shots were exchanged between the two sides, no casualties were reported among the Peshmerga forces.

Footage shared with Kurdistan 24 captures the sound of gunshots ringing in the distance, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation. This incident follows a previous event in which a Peshmerga fighter was wounded by a roadside bomb planted by the PKK in the same area.

The presence of Peshmerga forces in border regions has been significantly bolstered in recent years, aimed at securing these areas that frequently witness clashes between the PKK and Turkish forces. Regrettably, these clashes have led to civilian casualties and forced displacement.

Previous incidents have seen PKK forces targeting the Region's forces in the rugged mountainous terrains of Duhok province, as reported by Peshmerga sources.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has raged on since the mid-1980s, largely concentrated within the Kurdistan Region's border towns and villages. This protracted struggle has resulted in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives and left many severely injured.

Turkey, utilizing its advanced drone strike capabilities, has escalated its aerial assaults on alleged militant positions. In a recent development, a Turkish drone strike claimed the life of a high-ranking PKK commander, along with other individuals, in a vehicle near Sulaimani province's Penjwen district. The Region's Directorate General of Counter Terrorism confirmed this strike.

Region officials have repeatedly appealed to both sides involved in the conflict, urging them to move their confrontations away from populated areas. The ongoing clashes have resulted in the displacement of hundreds of villagers, further exacerbating the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

The situation remains tense as the region grapples with these clashes, and authorities continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to mitigate the toll on both civilians and security forces.