Amed Malazgirt, a commander of the People’s Defense Center (HSM) Headquarters Command, addressed the guerrilla forces who are partaking in the fight against the Turkish invasion operation launched in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) on April 17.

Noting that the Turkish onslaught began with heavy airstrikes by 55 fighter jets and dozens of UAVs from the 14th to the 17th April 2022, Malazgirt made the following evaluation regarding the ongoing battle in his address to the guerrillas:

“The Turkish state seeks to occupy the lands of South Kurdistan, and mainly all of the Medya Defense Zones. Intense airstrikes have been carried out on several regions extending from Werxelê to Şehit Çiyayê Cilo Biçûk, from Şikefta Birindara to Çiyayê Reş, from Kurojahro to Çemço-Sida. On April 17, the Turkish army attempted to airdrop troops in these areas by Sikorsky and attack helicopters accompanied by warplanes on April 17. The comrades, however, responded to the enemy quite harshly and effectively, in the very spirit of the PKK.

A great resistance has been put up in Werxele where fierce fighting continues. The comrades at Şehîd Şahin did their best to prevent the airdropping of troops in the area. Similarly, in the Çemço area, they played a major role in the defense of both Werxele and Şehîd Şahin, and did not allow the enemy to airdrop troops in the planned locations. The comrades at Şikefta Birîndara and Karker also fought day and night and foiled the enemy’s plans to airdrop their soldiers on the hills at Şikefta Birîndaranve Karke.

The comrades are inflicting heavy blows on the enemy through effective actions. Employing distinct and new tactics as well as actions of sabotage, infiltration and strike, the comrades have carried out effective actions on the Şehîd Şemdin and Şehîd Harun line in Kurojahro as well. The comrades on the peaks in Kurojahro are still mounting indomitable resistance under heavy bombardment. In small groups, they carry out effective actions against the enemy day and night.

Also, in the Cehennem hamlet at Çiyayê Reş, the comrades have prevented the Turkish army from airdropping soldiers and they are still waging a great struggle there, carrying out successful actions against the enemy day and night. They have particularly dealt heavy blows to the enemy troops at Rubar hill where the bodies of 7 soldiers remained abandoned.  

The comrades operating heavy weaponry have also carried out successful actions, mainly at Kevirê Kun in Şikefta Birîndara area, as well as at Kuro Jahro. We greet the comrades in the heavy weaponry units and wish them success.

We see our comrades duly keeping their word for a selfless struggle. We greet all the comrades who are taking part in this resistance with great labour and sacrifice, and inflicting heavy blows on the enemy, and wish them the greatest success.”