by Paul Copher
SOUTH EASTERN TURKEY –
A few Turkish National Police officers were confused as they moved into their assigned locations to support the almost monthly Turkish invasion (recon in force) into Northern Iraq to punish the Kurdish rebels. As their vehicle approached the town they noted a new vehicular checkpoint manned by both Jandarma and TNP officers. As the carload of TNP waited in line to pass the checkpoint they noted that some of the Turkish Police were wearing only the tunics and hats of the police but had on a variety of pants and shoes.
The shoulder patches of the Jandarma and the badges of the police were from units not actively engaged in the CT/AT operation. This car of police executed a quick turn and headed back to their HQ. On investigation, the roadblock had disappeared, as did the people manning the position. So far, the government believes that rebel Kurds or left wing terrorists were impersonating the police and military using stolen or illegally purchased uniform items.
Typically, this is a standard tactic in Turkey as it is in many other nations. Rather than a way to stop traffic and find police to do them harm, the Turkish groups set up these road blocks to “shake down” passing motorists and collect a fee which goes to buy weapons and medicine for the “cause.” The cause may be left or right wing, Sunni or Shia, paramilitary, or just criminal. These tactics are of interest to U.S. personnel traveling through these areas. As we used to tell the military and State Dept. personnel, “Obey a roadblock, but if something looks out of place turn around fast.” Previously, Americans caught in such a circumstance are rushed through, often with apologies. Knowledge of the typical official Turkish police and military weapons is a good clue. A Turkish police officer carrying an AK is out of place as would be a member of the Jandarma Security force or the elite Counterterrorist “Blue Berets.”
Paul Copher, Jr. is a Cultural Specialist with expertise in counterintelligence and terrorism. He was a liaison to Turkish National Police and INTERPOL, and has spent time in numerous foreign countries. Paul Copher, Jr. is now a private instructor in Terrorism, Area Studies, Cross Cultural Communication, Personal Protection and Counterintelligence. He can be reached at email: PaulC76504@aol.com.