In the course of the resistance against the Turkish invasion in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq), thirteen soldiers of the occupation forces were killed in actions of the guerrillas on Sunday. This was reported by the press office of the People's Defense Forces (HPG) in its daily statement on the war in the region. According to the statement, the actions by guerrillas took place in Avaşîn and Zap. The statement also provided details of air and ground attacks by the Turkish military in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones.

In Avaşîn, guerrilla activity was concentrated the day before against invading forces moving around the defensive positions on the Werxelê mountain range. Initially, the soldiers were targeted with heavy weapons, followed by snipers. The HPG put the number of soldiers killed at three, while another was injured.

In Zap, the guerrillas were active mainly in the Kuro Jahro resistance area. An "effective shelling of enemy positions" in the region was followed by an action by the YJA Star (Free Women's Troops) guerrillas against a military position on Girê Şehîd Şemdîn hill. "The position was completely destroyed and the death of six soldiers was safely established," HPG said.

At Girê Şehîd Harûn, the guerrillas carried out coordinated action against Turkish occupation troops from two sides. The first flank fired on a position at close range, while the second sent a sniper into the field. At the same time, a reconnaissance drone was hit over the area and forced to turn back. In total, at least four soldiers were fatally shot in this action.

In Şehîd Şahîn and at Girê Rûbar, the guerrillas prevented attacks by the Turkish air force through effective measures. Several attack helicopters were on attack flights there late in the evening, but were forced to turn back due to heavy shelling.

Targeted artillery attacks on civilian population

HPG pointed out that bombardments by Turkish air and ground forces continue unabated in many regions of Southern Kurdistan. In Xakurke, the Turkish army carried out a targeted attack on civilians on Sunday. According to the statement, the target of the howitzer fire was villagers who were gathering herbs on the slopes of Mount Şekîf. "As a result of the shelling, one person from the local population was injured. The artillery attacks continued today," it said.

Massive airstrikes

In Zap, the Çemço area was again attacked with shells by Turkish border guards yesterday. Later in the day, HPG recorded a total of eleven airstrikes in the Girê Amediye, Girê Cûdî, Karker, Saca and Kuro Jahro areas. On Monday night, attack helicopters conducted strikes on Çiyareş, Girê Cûdî, Girê Rûbar, Girê Şehîd Dünya, Girê Şehîd Şemdîn, Girê Şehîd Harûn and Girê Şehîd Xelîl. In Metîna, the Girê Hakkarî was bombed by warplanes.