Clashes between Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Turkish military killed at least 28 in Oct, mostly in Diyarbakır, Hakkari and Şırnak provinces. PKK-claimed bomb attack in Mersin province 17 Oct wounded eighteen people, mostly police. Interior minister 11 Oct said over 68,000 security operations in past twelve months had resulted in 30,167 arrests: 40,215 operations against PKK, 25,818 against state-christened FETÖ/PDY, and some 2,000 against Islamic State (ISIS) and leftist “terrorist” organisations. As crackdown on Kurdish movement continued, Democratic People’s Party (HDP) 3 Oct boycotted first session of parliament. Court in Muğla province 4 Oct jailed Erdoğan’s former aide-de-camp and 30 others to life imprisonment over role in July 2016 failed coup; govt 16 Oct extended post-coup state of emergency for another three months. Istanbul court 25 Oct ordered release of eight human rights campaigners pending trial – including Amnesty International Turkey Director and a German and a Swedish citizen. Authorities 18 Oct detained leading philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala and NGO director Şaban Kardaş reportedly in same probe; Kavala formally arrested 31 Oct, charged with attempting to overthrow govt and constitutional order. Turkish military 8 Oct crossed border into Syria’s jihadist-controlled Idlib province to conduct reconnaissance activities reportedly with 200 special forces, military vehicles and advanced equipment as part of joint mission with Russia and Iran to establish “de-escalation zone”. Turkish military 27 Oct announced that it set up second observation post inside Idlib. Turkish FM 26 Oct said they expected Kurdish Regional Govt (KRG) to cancel independence referendum. Ankara also continued to firm up its cooperation with Iraqi central govt; the two sides agreed to open second border gate 26 Oct. Relations with U.S. hit new low after govt 4 Oct arrested U.S. consular employee for alleged links to FETÖ/PDY; both U.S. and Turkey 9 Oct suspended all non-immigrant visa services for travel between two countries. Tensions between refugee and host communities remained high, with small-scale violent outbreaks, among others in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya. Baku-Akhalkalaki-Kars railway 30 Oct officially launched in Baku; railway connects Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to Europe (see Azerbaijan).

Military operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants in south east continued with considerable decrease in security force fatalities (ten killed, mostly in rural areas of Hakkari, Bingöl and Şırnak), slight decrease in PKK casualties (at least 22 fatalities, mostly in Diyarbakır, Hakkari, and Van provinces). Three state infrastructure workers killed in Hakkari and Şırnak provinces, allegedly by PKK early Sept. Environment and urbanisation minister 6 Sept announced reconstruction of areas in south east destroyed during 2016 fighting to be completed within six months. Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) late Aug voiced concerns over claims govt drone killed civilian in Hakkari; President Erdoğan and PM Yıldırım condemned remarks as “terrorist propaganda”; PKK 6 Sept confirmed casualty was member of PKK. Govt 19 Sept confirmed abduction of two intelligence agents reportedly on mission to assassinate PKK leader Cemil Bayık in Sulaimaniah; foreign minister Çavuşoğlu said govt engaged in efforts to bring back agents, said no “direct contact” with PKK. In joint statement with Iran and Iraq, Ankara 20 Sept warned Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Govt (KRG) not to hold 25 Sept independence referendum, warning of “countermeasures”, amid concerns vote will increase separatist nationalism among Kurds in Turkey’s south east, and damage country’s economic and political ties with KRG. Following referendum, Ankara vowed to cut off oil trade with KRG and close Habur border gate; 29 Sept halted all flights to Iraqi Kurdistan from Turkey (see Iraq). Turkey 18 Sept launched military exercise on Iraqi border, beginning in Silopi district and quickly expanding. Iraqi army joined Turkish forces for manoeuvres 25 Sept. Govt 12 Sept confirmed deal to purchase S-400 surface-to-air missile system from Russia, adding strain on relationship with U.S. and NATO. Erdoğan 18 Sept again criticised U.S. for supplying weapons to Kurdish People’s Protection Unit (YPG) in Syria. Small-scale outbreaks of violence between refugee and host communities continued during month; related social tensions in urban districts of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir remain high.

Clashes between Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and security forces in south east continued at low intensity, with at least 38 confirmed casualties during month, mostly PKK militants and six civilians; security force fatalities concentrated in rural areas of Batman, Hakkari and Şırnak, PKK fatalities mostly reported in Tunceli, Diyarbakır and Siirt provinces. Military operations including destruction of PKK shelters and ammunition storages; military 11 Aug reported it had seized two Swedish-made AT-4 missiles in Şırnak’s Uludere district. PKK continued attacks on civilians and state representatives. Crackdown on Kurdish movement and alleged sympathisers continued, including prosecution on loosely-defined terrorism charges. Police 2 Aug arrested French journalist Loup Jean René Bureau in Şırnak’s Uludere district for alleged links to Kurdish People’s Protection Unit (YPG); Czech officials same day said court had jailed two Czech nationals claiming to be humanitarian workers for YPG membership. Pro-Kurdish Democratic People’s Party (HDP) 1 Aug launched “justice watch” demonstrations in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, to continue across country ahead of one year anniversary of HDP deputies’ arrest 4 Nov. On Syrian front, relations with U.S. remained tense over opposing positions on Sunni rebel groups and U.S. backing of YPG’s Raqqa offensive. Military 5 Aug announced stronger presence along southern border against possible YPG threats; media 8 Aug reported construction of “security wall” in apparent bid to curb illegal crossings from Iran. Ruling body of Iraq’s Kurdish region Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) 12 Aug said it will go ahead with 25 Sept independence referendum despite opposition from Turkey, U.S., Iran and others. Crackdown against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants ongoing: police 10 Aug detained Russian citizen accused of ISIS membership; suspected ISIS militant 13 Aug stabbed dead police officer trying to detain him in Istanbul, suspect killed. Tensions between refugees and host communities remain high; Pew survey 1 Aug reported 64% of Turkish citizen respondents cited refugee issue as major threat. Amid ongoing tensions with Berlin, German Chancellor Merkel 16 Aug said no expansion of EU-Turkey customs union in sight.

As resumed violence with Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) entered third year, clashes in south east continued at low intensity, with at least 62 killed. Security forces fatalities concentrated in rural areas Hakkari and Şırnak; PKK militants killed mostly during security operations in Bingöl, Diyarbakır, Erzincan, Şırnak and Van provinces; and increase in PKK attacks on civilians and political functionaries of ruling AKP party, including two killed in Diyarbakır and Van provinces 1 July. Pressure on Kurdish movement continued with new arrests and detentions: former Democratic People’s Party (HDP) co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ 4 July appeared before court for first time since Nov 2016 arrest, facing charges related to Oct 2014 protests. Erdoğan 8 July called jailed HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş “terrorist” during G-20 summit; HDP officials and Demirtaş rejected allegation. Police 5 July detained ten rights activists including Amnesty International’s Turkey Director on charges of aiding unspecified terror group; eight of them arrested, two released pending trial. “Justice March” from Ankara to Istanbul, launched mid-June by leader of main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, ended 9 July with rally in Istanbul. On 15 July anniversary of failed coup attempt, huge crowds rallied in Istanbul and Ankara to celebrate its defeat. As Kurdish People’s Protection Unit (YPG)-led campaign against Islamic State (ISIS) in northern Syria continued, tensions between YPG and Turkish military remained high, while U.S. support to YPG continued to strain relations with Washington. Violence between host and refugee communities continued, including brawl in Ankara’s Yenimahalle district 3 July that left several injured. Govt 4 July called for “public tolerance” toward refugees, next day issued statement describing recent tensions as “distorted” and “exaggerated”. Observers noted collapse of Cyprus reunification talks (see Cyprus) likely further setback for EU-Turkey relations.

Security forces continued operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgency in SE. PKK affiliate Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) 6 June threatened new attacks on main cities and tourist sites. Authorities continued crackdown on pro-Kurdish Democratic People’s Party (HDP) representatives: 8 June sentenced imprisoned former HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ to additional one-year sentence for “insulting the Turkish Republic”. Tensions erupted with Saudi-led block after Turkey backed Qatar in regional diplomatic crisis (see Qatar), sending humanitarian aid and conducting joint military exercises. Egyptian President Sisi 15 June called for embargo to be applied to Turkey; Riyadh 17 June rejected Ankara’s offer to build military base in Saudi Arabia, same day detained two Turkish state-TV journalists. President Erdoğan and King Salman of Saudi Arabia 21 June agreed to increase efforts to end crisis. Erdoğan 25 June doubled down on support for Qatar, saying list of demands given to country by Saudi-led coalition was “against international law”. Tensions with U.S. continued to mount; Ankara 15 June said it would “fight” arrest warrants against twelve Turkish bodyguards who assaulted pro-PYD (Democratic Union Party)/PKK protesters during Erdoğan’s 16 May visit to Washington. Erdoğan 23 June warned he would take unilateral action in northern Syria if YPG posed any threat to Turkey (see Syria). Relations with EU, particularly Germany, remained strained. German parliament 21 June approved plan to move forces from Incirlik military base to Jordan after Turkey did not allow German MPs to visit base in May; Berlin 26 June warned Turkey not to bring bodyguards that U.S. has issued arrest warrants for to July G20 summit in Hamburg. Social cohesion challenges and violence targeting Syrian refugee communities continued with further incidents of mob violence and killings reported in centre and NW cities during month; group of around 100 people attacked Syrians in Sakarya’s Hendek district 15 June following fight between Syrian factory worker and his Turkish superior.

Security forces continued operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgency in SE; 23 members of security forces killed in clashes in eastern provinces, however clashes generally remain at low intensity. Pressure continued on Kurdish movement with new arrests and detentions. Authorities 9 May stripped Democratic People’s Party (HDP)’s Nursel Aydoğan of her MP status. HDP extraordinary congress 20 May elected Serpil Kemalbay as party co-chair to replace imprisoned Figen Yüksekdağ, stripped of her parliamentary seat in Feb. Security forces 11 May arrested at least seventeen alleged members of PKK’s youth wing in eight provinces. Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) elected President Erdoğan new party chairman at extraordinary congress 21 May. Govt continued crackdown on alleged members of state-christened FETÖ/PDY it blames for July 2016 coup attempt. Rhetoric on EU resumed positive tone: Erdoğan 9 May announced EU membership remained strategic goal for Turkey, wished to pursue accession process in “mutual respect”. Relations with Berlin remained strained; Turkey 15 May barred German MPs from visiting German troops stationed at Incirlik air base in south; Chancellor Merkel said Germany would seek alternatives to Incirlik air base such as Jordan. President Erdoğan met with EU officials 25 May during NATO summit in bid to revive strategic relations and accession negotiations. Ankara criticised U.S. announcement 9 May that it will arm Kurdish People’s Protection Unit (YPG)-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ahead of offensive against Islamic State (ISIS) in Raqqa, warned PKK would benefit from deal. Deputy PM Veysi Kaynak 13 May announced Turkey would set up bases near Syrian town al-Bab to train and equip local forces (see Syria). Erdoğan and President Trump in Washington 16 May discussed strategy in Syria, fight against PKK, ISIS and extradition of Fethullah Gülen, alleged leader of state-christened FETÖ/PDY. Violence targeting Syrian refugee communities increased with incidents of mob violence reported in SE and western cities in April and May, highlighting social cohesion challenges. This follows April crackdown on several international NGOs working with refugees.

Constitutional referendum 16 April saw 51.4% of electorate approve changes that will centralise executive power in hands of president following general elections scheduled for Nov 2019. Three largest cities and most of SE voted against changes; result prompted widespread criticism among opponents and internationally over govt’s possible authoritarian direction. Allegations of electoral misconduct and evidence including video of irregularities sparked opposition criticism and protests against fraud; Supreme Election Board 19 April and Council of State 25 April rejected request by main opposition parties to annul results. Main opposition party 26 April announced decision to take bid to European Court of Human Rights. OSCE 17 April criticised “uneven playing field” in campaign and lack of transparency; Erdoğan denounced report as “politically motivated”. Govt 18 April extended state of emergency, imposed following July 2016 coup attempt, for additional three months; continued crackdown on state-christened FETÖ/PDY it blames for coup attempt, detaining over 1,000 alleged members late April. Security forces continued operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgency in SE; several members of security forces killed in attacks and clashes during month, including six soldiers reportedly killed in separate operations against PKK in Şırnak 21-23 April. Suspected PKK rocket attack against ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) referendum campaign bus killed one village guard in Van’s Muradiye district 15 April. PKK senior leadership Cemil Bayık 9 April warned “war” would intensify if “Yes” campaign won referendum, adding to concerns that fighting may worsen in coming months. Govt continued crackdown on Kurdish Democratic People’s Party (HDP) representatives, arresting regional representative Fahrettin Kiraz and MP Burcu Çelik Özkan on terror charges mid-April. Two HDP MPs, Meral Danış Beştaş and Nursel Aydoğan, were released 21 April. EU-Turkey relations deteriorated further in run-up to referendum; Ankara 14 April said it would suspend EU-Turkey refugee deal if not granted visa-free travel. Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe 25 April voted to reopen monitoring procedures in Turkey. Turkish military conducted airstrikes against Kurdish People’s Protection Unit (YPG)/PKK targets in N Syria and N Iraq 25 April, retaliated against YPG after latter launched rocket attacks on SE Hatay and Şanlıurfa provinces from areas it controls across border in Syria 25-27 April (see Syria and Iraq).

Security forces continued crackdown on Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgency in SE, launching large scale operations involving 7,000 soldiers and curfews in Diyarbakır’s Lice district and Bingöl 5 March; ten security force members, at least eleven PKK militants and two civilians reported killed during month. Govt denounced “biased” UN report released 10 March condemning rights violations by security forces and use of counter-terrorism legislation to remove democratically elected officials of Democratic People’s Party (HDP)/Democratic Regions Party (DBP) from office, among other concerns. Ahead of 16 April constitutional referendum set to increase presidential powers, crackdown on alleged members of state-christened FETÖ/PDY it blames for July 2016 coup attempt continued; govt 6 March reported it had arrested 920 suspects previous week. EU-Turkey relations deteriorated further as Ankara increased anti-Western rhetoric and rowed with several EU countries, particularly Netherlands and Germany, over issues including cancellation of appearances by Turkish ministers at referendum campaign rallies in their countries. Ankara 15 March warned it may cancel EU-Turkey refugee deal, accused EU of “wasting time” on visa liberalisation; later said Turkey may hold referendum on EU accession bid. Following Turkey’s 23 Feb capture of Syrian town al-Bab from Islamic State (ISIS), FM Cavuşoğlu 9 March announced Manbij was next target for Turkish troops and rebel allies (see Syria). PM Yıldırım 29 March announced end of “successful” Euphrates Shield military operation in N Syria, said may launch follow-up operation; Turkish troops remain in Syrian areas they secured. Visiting U.S. Sec State Tillerson 30 March met with president and PM in attempt to revitalise relations.

State security forces continued operations against Kurdish PKK insurgency in SE, though number of casualties and attacks again lower than previous month. Security forces detained 26 people after car bomb attack attributed to PKK 17 Feb that killed two in Viranşehir district, Şanlıurfa province; 18 Feb two alleged PKK militants killed in Nusaybin district, where Kurdish politicians protested lockdown in Koruköy village amid unconfirmed allegations on social media of torture of civilians by security forces. Unclaimed rocket attacks in Istanbul’s Fatih district 20 Feb targeted police station and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) office; no casualties reported. Number of arrested Kurdish Democratic People’s Party (HDP) MPs rose to thirteen. HDP 20 Feb filed complaint at European Court of Human Rights over Nov 2016 arrest and detention of co-leaders Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ; Yüksekdağ stripped of seat in Parliament and Demirtaş sentenced to five months’ jail next day. President Erdoğan 10 Feb approved constitutional reform bill which would bring in presidential system, with referendum on change scheduled for 16 April. In ongoing purges following July 2016 coup attempt, govt 8 Feb dismissed 4,400 additional academics, security services, economy and foreign affairs ministry personnel. Security forces 5-6 Feb arrested over 800 alleged Islamic State (IS)-linked individuals in coordinated raids in at least 29 provinces. Ankara continued push into N Syria and offensive on Al-Bab (see Syria). Three Turkish soldiers killed in Russian airstrike near Al-Bab 9 Feb; Moscow said it was mistake and blamed poor coordination. Ankara continued to push new U.S. administration for Turkish role in Raqqa operation, condemning continued U.S. support to Kurdish YPG/PYD fighters. Tensions continue with Greece with series of standoffs over disputed islets in Aegean Sea.

Clashes between state security forces and Kurdish PKK militants in SE continued at lower intensity. Two soldiers reportedly killed during operation against PKK in Şırnak (south east) 6 Jan; two soldiers killed 14 Jan and six alleged PKK militants reported killed in airstrikes 15 Jan during Bitlis operation (east). IED explosion attributed to PKK killed five police in Diyarbakkı’s Sur district (south east) 16 Jan. Car bomb attack outside İzmir courthouse (west) 5 Jan killed four including police officer and two attackers; PKK affiliate Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) claimed responsibility. As prosecution of Kurdish parliamentarians continued, prosecutor called for heavy sentences against jailed Democratic People’s Party (HDP) co-chair Salahattin Demirtas and co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ; defending himself in court 6 Jan Demirtas denounced what he called politicised justice system biased against HDP. Police 31 Jan arrested two additional HDP lawmakers, including party spokesman Ayhan Bilgen, on charges of membership of “armed terror organisation”. Parliament early Jan extended state of emergency introduced following July 2016 coup attempt for another three months. Govt continued post-coup purges, dismissing 6,000 additional police, civil servants, and academics 6 Jan and later in month, and issuing hundreds of arrest warrants for military and security personnel. Parliament 21 Jan approved controversial constitutional amendment set to increase President Erdoğan’s powers, paving way for referendum planned for early April. Increased Russian support for Turkey’s military operation in Syria marked new level of cooperation between Ankara and Moscow: Russia early Jan provided air support for Turkish offensive geared at taking Al Bab town from Islamic State (IS); Turkey and Russia 18 Jan launched joint airstrikes on town (see Syria). Police 17 Jan apprehended Uzbek national believed to be gunman who killed 39 people in New Year’s attack on Istanbul nightclub. EU 12 Jan unlocked additional €200 mn from aid package for Syrian refugees in Turkey to build schools and provide humanitarian aid. Greece’s Supreme Court 26 Jan ruled against extradition of eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece on night of July coup attempt; court justified its decision saying that the soldiers, if sent back, would face “curtailment of their fundamental human rights”. Turkish FM criticised decision saying Ankara would take necessary punitive steps including possible cancellation of bilateral readmission agreement with Greece, key component of EU-Turkey refugee deal.