While the Turkish army denied the reports by RojNews agency that Turkish military checkpoints had been set up in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq), footage published by the Voice of America (VOA) Kurdish service from the ground confirms the reports. The invading army has set up a checkpoint in Duhok and conducts identity checks.

VOA Kurdish service journalist Kawa Omer reports that the Turkish state has entered 35 kilometres into the area and that villages in the area are adversely affected by the attacks. 

According to the report, Turkish soldiers also distributed leaflets in Kurdish and Turkish at the checkpoint. The leaflets read, "We apologise for stopping you during your journey and taking up your time. With your support, we will make the area safer. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to your support."

The Turkish state, which has been carrying out invasion attacks and establishing hundreds of military points in South Kurdistan for years, has recently deployed more than 300 armoured vehicles and tanks to the region along with a large number of soldiers.

Despite the clear violation of Iraq's sovereignty, Baghdad and Erbil remain silent. International powers also continue to turn a blind eye to this blatant occupation.