The Turkish state has been conducting an invasion operation against the Zap and Avaşin regions of the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) since April 17.

HPG (People’s Defense Forces) and YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) guerrillas Lamiya Welat and Rizgar Çetin spoke to ANF about the Turkish state’s increasingly ongoing genocidal attacks in Kurdistan territory and the struggle of the guerrilla forces in Kurdistan territory.

YJA Star guerrilla Lamiya Welat stated that the Turkish attacks are directed at not only Zap and Avaşin but all the four parts of Kurdistan and the Kurdish people as a whole.

“This hard period bears several challenges and difficulties. The resistance and will of our comrades is a source of strength and morale for us,” she said.

Remarking that oppressed peoples would be victorious, the YJA Star guerrilla fighter said, “The enemy will never be able to attack and seize these sacred lands that easily. We might pay heavy prices, but success and victory will be ours. We have a strong claim to succeed.”

Welat called on the young people to stand by the guerrillas, emphasising the "need to feel and claim this battle.”

HPG guerrilla Rizgar Çetin pointed to the intensified attacks against Medya Defense Zones amidst already ongoing genocidal attacks in various parts of the Kurdistan territory. He said, “It is apparent that the enemy will not be able to advance easily. They are suffering great losses at every step they take. Our comrades are giving strong responses to the enemy, whose attacks are directed at the entire Kurdish people. In this regard, our people should be aware of this reality and reclaim their Kurdishness and the Freedom Movement. When the Kurds are in question, all occupying states unite and conduct any form of annihilation attacks. For this very reason, the KDP’s collaboration with the Turkish state should be opposed and rejected, especially by the young people in South Kurdistan. Our people should rise up. We will turn these mountains into a hell for the enemy. We are confident we will triumph.”