The Reformation and Jihad Front in Iraq, which includes four insurgent groups, warned that an attack could hurt Sunni citizens and Iraq's unity, according to SITE Intelligence Group.

"The Reformation and Jihad Front observes with great concern what is going on in our beloved North of Iraq, which has now has become an open playground for any player and a good field for any aggressor," it said in a statement on its website, according to a SITE translation.

Turkey has threatened military action in northern Iraq unless Baghdad clamps down on separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) bases there and turns over the rebel leaders that Ankara accuses of masterminding cross-border attacks on its military.

"We ask the Turkish government to refrain and to use its political or diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis before launching any military operation, as such will hurt the innocent citizens among our vulnerable Kurdish people," the Reformation and Jihad Front in Iraq said.

"We emphasize the unity of Iraq, its land and people, and we hold the occupation and the government and the Kurdish leadership responsible for what is happening in our beloved North," it said.

"We ask our Kurdish people to adhere to Sharia (Islamic religious law) solutions as Muslim people and not to let it be an axe to divide or hurt Iraq," the group said in the statement posted on its website Monday.

The Reformation and Jihad Front includes the Islamic Army in Iraq, Mujahedeen Army, Fateheen (conqueror's) Army and Ansar al-Sunna-Religious Committee.

The group is also part of the Political Council for the Iraqi Resistance, an insurgent coalition formed earlier this month that includes the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas in Iraq and the Islamic Front for Iraqi Resistance.