Dêrin peshmergas (former PUK peshmergas) and guerrillas that gathered at the Newroz celebration in Kirkuk spoke to ANF and gave a message of joint struggle and unity against the Turkish and KDP gangs.

Stressing that those fighting against the Kurds have nothing to do with Kurdishness, guerrillas and peshmergas described the attacks on Shengal as a war against the freedom struggle of the Kurdish people.

Below are the statements of Dêrin peshmergas and guerrillas who spoke to ANF:

Xebat Qutani (Peshmerga): One who turns his arms on Kurds is neither Kurdish nor peshmerga. We should be united under all circumstances because our enemy is always the same. In all the four parts of Kurdistan, there is no difference between us and the guerrilla. Many guerrillas from Bakûr, Rojava and Rojhilat Kurdistan came here and fought alongside us in the defense of Kirkuk. We, too, are ready to fight for our people anywhere in Kurdistan.

Botan Diren (Guerrilla): The scene of Newroz here today gives our people morale. We guerrillas and peshmergas are side by side. In response to those planning a war among Kurds, it is of great importance for us to be here today.

Preparations were ongoing for an attack on Shengal for a long while. It needs to be observed that the ISIS gangs that fought against peshmergas before have been gathered today and they are made to fight against the YBŞ. If you remember, in response to the nationalist circles that reacted against the waving of KRG flag in Turkey during Masoud Barzani's visit, Turkish Prime Minister said 'You don't understand why we wave that flag'. These attacks were conducted soon after that visit. That flag was waved in return for an attack on YBŞ, which resulted in the martyrdom of 7 fighters. In this regard, everyone should know that this is no Birakujî but a war of betrayal.

Osman Qela Qutani (Peshmerga): Kurds must get united. In the contrary case, we will face with great dangers. We have to ensure unity in order for the achievement of gains in four parts of Kurdistan as there exists a danger on each one of the four parts. Everyone should see this reality and not be an instrument to this game.

Said Nuri Kerkuki (Peshmerga): As a Dêrîn peshmerga, I celebrate Newroz for Leader Apo and all our people. I would like to state once again that we peshmergas are ready to stand against any attack on any part of Kurdistan. It must be known that no one that brings the enemy into Kurdistan and makes them fight against the guerrilla is neither Kurdish nor peshmerga. We do not accept this because a peshmerga can never turn his gun towards his brothers. Those attacking YBŞ in Shengal are serving not the Kurds but their enemies. I call on them to stop what they are doing at the moment, and to take place in the positions to defend the people.