Kurdish security forces accuse PKK in killing of Duhok border official

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdish security forces on Saturday accused the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) of being involved in the killing of the head of security at a border crossing in Duhok province last week.

"Following precise and comprehensive investigations, it turned out that he was terrorized by the PKK," reads a statement from the General Directorate of Asayesh (security) of Erbil. "He had directly and indirectly been threatened."

Ghazi Salih, 47, was the head of security forces (Asayesh) affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) at Sarzer border crossing in the Amedi district of Duhok. He was shot at his home in the village of Galik on Thursday evening and died on the way to hospital.  

"We strongly condemn this cowardly terror act and hereby declare that this terror act will not go unanswered," the Asayesh statement added.

The PKK has not immediately responded to the accusation. 

The border crossing where Salih worked and his home village are in the Kani Masi sub-district that borders Turkey and sees regular clashes between the PKK and the Turkish army.