The press centre of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) reported that the Turkish army continues its occupation attacks on the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).

According to the daily statement of the HPG, Turkish occupation forces attacked the areas of Girê Şehîd Heqî and Girê Şehîd Kamuran in Xakurkê with howitzers and mortars on May 13. Guerrillas responded to the attacks to defend themselves.

On the same day, the Turkish army attacked Girê Şehîd Axin, facing a response from the guerrillas. During the ensuing fighting, the position of the occupiers was struck by the guerrillas and two of them were killed.

The areas of Girê Bahar and Golka in Metîna were shelled four times by fighter jets.

On the other hand, the areas of Girê Şehîd Heqî, Girê Şehîd Kamuran, Girê Axîn in Xakurkê, as well as the Girê Bahar, Girê FM, Girê Cûdî and Girê Amediyê resistance areas and the guerrilla positions in Sîda were targeted by 17 attacks with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons.

Turkey's attacks continue despite a ceasefire announced by the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK). The decision was taken after the devastating earthquake disaster in the Turkish-Syrian border area on 6 February. The Kurdish guerrillas, which include the HPG and the YJA Star (Free Women's Troops), are implementing the call for a cessation of all hostilities and are in a defensive position.

In a statement on February 9, the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), an umbrella organization of the Kurdish freedom movement of which the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) is also a member, called for a halt of military actions in Turkey, in metropolises and cities. “It is necessary to prevent the people from experiencing even more suffering in this affliction”, said Cemil Bayık, co-chairman of the executive council of the KCK.

The Central Headquarters of the People's Defence Forces (HSM) expressed support for the KCK's call and said on February 11 that the guerrillas were ready to do their part to alleviate the suffering of people.

On March 27, the KCK Executive Council co-chair Besê Hozat announced that the unilateral ceasefire would remain in place until after the elections to be held in Turkey on May 14.

According to the annual balance sheet of war in the Medya Defence Zones, published by the Central Headquarters of the People's Defence Forces on April 14, the Turkish army carried out 3,730 attacks with chemical and other unconventional bombs on guerrilla areas, 4,233 attacks by combat aircraft and 5,628 attacks by combat helicopters.

According to the balance sheet of war for the month of April, published by HPG on May 2, the Turkish army bombed Medya Defense Zones from the air and land 1081 times and attacked the guerrilla positions 8 times using chemical and banned weapons.