Coordinated attacks signified a major escalation of insurgent violence in a region of West Africa where military leaders had seized power and warmed to Moscow in recent years.

The Newroz holiday comes at a critical time, as Kurds in Turkey push for peace while their brethren in Syria and Iran fear further conflict.

Spread across Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey, the ethnic group of 40 million has long sought, and fought for, greater autonomy.