Duhok district reopens daily visits to border villages after nearly a decade

DUHOK, Iraq — Local authorities in the Derker subdistrict of Duhok's Zakho independent administration have lifted a nearly 10-year ban on daily civilian visits to border villages, the subdistrict's director, Jewher Mohammed, said. The decision covers 9 to 10 villages within Derker's boundaries, as well as several villages in the Batife district, allowing residents to visit between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The local administration said it coordinated with village representatives and mukhtars before the change and informed residents about the risk of landmines and other unexploded ordnance in the area. Hashim Kashani, mukhtar of Keshan village, said villagers had been unable to reach their homes for years because of clashes between the Turkish armed forces and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Thirteen villagers received visit permits this year, according to the administration. Villages including Sili, Ayk Mali and Nezur were not included in the reopening because of severe damage. The move comes after a declared ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK was reported to have improved the security environment in the area. No further details on additional permits or expanded access were immediately available.