Kurdistan Making Efforts to Halt War in Syria: President

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has expressed strong concerns over the recent Turkish operation in Syria, saying that they have been making efforts to halt the war and bring back peace to the region.

"We have been closely watching the military campaign in East of Euphrates in Syria with great concerns and sadness, particularly since the radical groups of the Syrian opposition are taking part," Barzani said in a statement on Thursday, as Turkey has resumed its operations against the Kurdish forces in the area, with several casualties reported so far, among whom are children.

"War opens the door for killing and displacing of civilians as well as resulting in instability in the region, while leading to terrorism resurgence."

The Kurdish president further reminded that the people of Kurdistan have been through several sufferings in the past, they, therefore, properly understand the recent developments in Syria, reaffirming Erbil's readiness to mediate between the sides in hopes of ending the conflicts.

He also warned that such military confrontations could risk the achievements of defeating the Islamic State (IS), which would serve no sides.