Turkey began a fresh cross-border offensive known as "Operation Claw Lock" against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters early on Monday, April 18.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said that "we categorically reject claims of mobilizing Peshmerga forces and involvement in Turkish operations."

It said that the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces had not taken part in the Turkish offensive in any way.

According to NRT the statement said that the forces are "on alert" to prevent any other populated areas of the Kurdistan Region from been taken control in the interest of the conflicting sides.

It called for respecting the sovereignty of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

While Iraqi officials have condemned the Turkish attacks, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials have largely stayed silent.

Reporter's code: 50101