The Arab HPG fighter Şoreş Şedade takes part in the resistance against the Turkish army in the guerrilla area of Heftanin in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) and has spoken to ANF about the demographic diversity of the region and the current situation.

Şoreş Şedade refers to the cultural and social richness of Heftanin and says: "The Turkish state's attack on this area aimed at occupation is not an ordinary situation. In Heftanin, there is not only the guerrilla, Assyrian, Armenian and Kurdish people live together here. The attack is part of the fascist state policy to wipe out the peoples of the region.”

“The Turkish army cannot advance”

The guerrilla fighter says that he has only really understood his own reality of life with the PKK: "The enmity of the Turkish state is not limited to the Kurdish people. Whoever thinks freely, moves accordingly and speaks out against the neo-Ottoman project Misak-i Milli (National Pact) becomes the state's target of attack. There are countless examples of this. The attack on Heftanin proves once again the enmity towards the Armenians and Assyrians. Everyone should be aware of that."

The Arab fighter tells that: "Since the beginning of the invasion, the Turkish occupying army has focused on air attacks, but the guerrillas are prepared for them. The resistance in Heftanin continues. Turkish propaganda lacks any reality. The occupying forces already regret having ever set foot in the area. The guerrillas carry out effective actions everywhere. Despite the superiority of weapons, the Turkish army cannot advance."

The guerrillas strike whenever an opportunity arises, Şedade says and continues: "The Turkish state has already suffered hundreds of casualties. The fact that the resistance is still going on is due to the modern and professional way of guerrilla struggle. With our willpower and commitment, we are improving our position."

“Iraq must take a stand”

Şoreş Şedade, who is an Arab himself, says: "I call on the peoples of the whole Middle East and especially on the democratic and liberal people to become aware of the reality of the Turkish state. Above all, I do not find the silence of the Arab media on this issue right. The people of Iraq must take a stand. What is happening at the moment means that Iraqi territory is being fragmented, and a patriotic stance must be adopted in response to this. Arab women and youth should join the resistance and play their part in this historic period.”