KURDISTAN

Latest News

• People in Shengal mobilise against KDP's possible arrival 

  The KDP's attempt to enter Shengal with its armed forces led to an extraordinary situation. The people of Shengal began to flock to the Public Security points and the People's Assemblies.
• Yazidi women say they won't allow the KDP to enter Shengal 

  The KDP is apparently preparing for a new attempt to advance with large troop contingents into the self-administered Yazidi Shengal region.
• KCK pays tribute to Celal Talabani on the fourth anniversary of his death 

  In 1975 Celal Talabani founded the PUK. Thirty years later he was the first Kurd to be elected President of Iraq. Four years ago, ‘Mam Celal’ died in Berlin at the age of 83 as a result of a stroke he suffered in 2012.
• Shengal Autonomous Administration: KDP aims to build a base here 

  The Democratic Autonomous Administration of Shengal criticised the KDP’s attempt to deploy forces to Shengal on pretext of elections, saying, “Their arrival has nothing to do with elections, they want to build a base here.”
• Hacı Lokman Birlik remembered at his grave 

  On October 3, 2015, actor and activist Hacı Lokman Birlik was executed by Turkish police officers. His body, tied to a rope, was pulled through Şırnak by an armored car. No one was punished.
• HPG: Guerrillas hit the Turkish invaders in Werxelê 

  The guerrillas are not giving the Turkish occupation forces in Southern Kurdistan a break. Two soldiers were killed in the resistance area of Werxelê, and two more actions were carried out against a Turkish unit in the Zap region.
• HPG statement on KDP attack on guerrilla group 

  The HPG issued a statement on the seven guerrillas who were ambushed by the KDP at the end of August. One of the guerrilla fighters survived and was able to describe the incident.
• A message of determination from guerrillas in Werxelê  

  The guerrillas in Avaşîn's Werxelê Area said that they would resist despite the Turkish army's dirty tactics and that this resistance would turn into a retribution and attack manoeuvre.
• KCDK-E: “Shengal is under threat, we call on everyone to take to the streets” 

  KCDK-E stated that "Shengal is under the threat of invasion by KDP! We are calling on everyone to take to the streets as of now."
• People's resistance in Shengal yields results: KDP forces withdraw 

  The roadblocks against the incursion of KDP troops into Shengal are apparently having an effect. The military forces of the party that rules South Kurdistan have withdrawn for the time being.
• HPG commemorates Cilo martyrs 

  Guerrilla fighters Jîn Amara, Şervan Gabar and Tîrêj Roj died six years ago in a Turkish attack in Cilo. The HPG commemorates the three martyrs with respect and gratitude.
• People of Shengal take to the streets and start resistance- UPDATE 

  Armed forces of South Kurdistan’s ruling party KDP want to enter Shengal on the pretext of the upcoming elections. People took to the streets and started sit-in actions to voice their reaction.
• Shengal Autonomous Administration: "We will not tolerate any armed presence of the KDP" 

  In the run-up to Iraq's parliamentary elections, the Autonomous Administration of Shengal warned against armed provocations by the KDP in the Yazidi settlement area in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
• KDP attempts to enter Shengal with armed forces 

  Shengal Autonomous Administration vowed to resist and defend themselves against the KDP which is attempting to enter the Yazidi town in South Kurdistan (North Iraq).
• Kurdish young man tortured to death in Urmia prison 

  The Kurdistan Human Rights Association reported that a young Kurdish man died as a result of severe torture in Urmia prison.
• “Entering the Iraqi parliament will be a gain for the Yazidis” 

  Yazidis from Afrin Canton who migrated to Shehba have urged the Yazidi community to support the PADE candidate, noting that representation in the Iraqi parliament would be a gain for Yazidis.
• HPG: Betrayal will never go unpunished! 

  The People’s Defense Forces (HPG) announced killing of contra Abdulbaki Taşdemir who played a role in the killing of three guerrillas in 1996.
• Message from Werxelê fighters: "We will fight to the bitter end" 

  "We will not allow the enemy to easily set foot in these blood-drenched lands. We promise to fight to the bitter end and win with this spirit and faith," say the guerrillas in Werxelê, Avaşîn.
• Hewlêr authorities deport Autonomous Administration Representative after 112 of detention 

  Autonomous Administration Hewlêr Representative Cihad Hesen, who was detained by KDP forces on 10 June, was eventually deported 112 days after his arrest.
• HPG reports ongoing Turkish chemical attacks and guerrilla resistance 

  The HPG Press Centre said that the invading Turkish army which received serious blows from the guerrillas is continuing its bombings with chemical weapons as the guerrilla resistance continues without interruption.
• HPG guerrilla martyred in Gabar laid to rest 

  The body of HPG guerrilla Kahraman Sunar was handed over to his family after 4 and a half months.
• HSM says Turkish army uses new chemical weapons, calls for urgent action 

  HSM Headquarters Command denounced the use of new types of chemical weapons by the Turkish army in Kurdistan and called on the international community to act urgently.
• ‘Turkey must be prosecuted for using chemical weapons’ 

  Family of Zinarin Welat who was martyred in a Turkish chemical attack in South Kurdistan stated that the Turkish state must be prosecuted for using banned chemical weapons and committing war crimes.
• Shengal Yazidis to support the PADE candidate in Iraqi elections 

  Shengal residents stated that they support the Yazidi Freedom and Democracy Party (PADE) in Iraqi parliamentary elections to be held on October 10.
• KKM informs UN representation about attacks in Sulaymaniyah 

  The workers' association KKM has informed the UN representation in Sulaymaniyah about the threat to its members by the Turkish secret service MIT. The background was the assassinations of PKK member Yasin Bulut and worker Ferhat Barış Kondu.