People's Defense Forces Press Office HPG-BIM reported that Turkish troops have been inflicted severe blows in Oremar and Gever regions of Hakkari province.

According to the statement, 18 soldiers were killed in clashes in Oremar, and 11 others in a retaliatory action carried out by guerrillas against soldiers heading for an operation in Gever.

HPG gave the following information regarding the developments taking place in the region since October 17.

18 SOLDIERS KILLED IN OREMAR

Turkish jets and tanks conducted an intense bombardment from Oremar region against Martyr Rahime area at the border to Avashin region of Medya Defense Zones between October 17 and 19.

On October 20, soldiers participating in the operation extended the offensive up to the Martyr Rahime area and entered the area of Hill Martyr Zerdeşt on October 21st.

Four soldiers were killed as guerrillas hit the troop that infiltrated into the guerrilla areas at 20:00 on October 23.

At 11:30 on October 24, soldiers in Martyr Zerdeşt terrain once again attempted to enter the Martyr Rahime area but were immediately responded with a retaliation of guerrillas. While 12 soldiers were killed and two guerrillas fell a martyr here, clashes lasted till 12:40 after which Turkish military targeted the scene with intense bombardments and cluster bombs.

As clashes in the area continued on October 25 as well, assassination teams of the Turkish troops joining the operation around Hill Martyr Zerdeşt at 08:00 were responded by guerrillas with assassination actions, as a result of which 2 soldiers were killed.

In response to the intense shelling by Cobra type helicopters at 16:00 the same day, guerrillas retaliated the attacks and forced the helicopters to retreat. Turkish military once again hit the area with howitzer, mortar and tank fire the same day.

While guerrillas hold the control over the area, intense clashes between two sides in Marty Rahime area continue interruptedly. 

HPG concluded that 18 soldiers were killed in heavy clashes in the region.

Two guerrillas, Hakan Kaya (nom de guerre Agir Diyar) from Hakkari and Mehmet Emin Orhan (nom de guerre Rubar Batman) from Batman fell a martyr in the fighting here.

11 SOLDIERS KILLED IN ESENDERE

HPG-BIM said guerrillas conducted a retaliatory action against the Turkish troops preparing for an operation in Gever (Yüksekova) district of Hakkari.

Accordingly, guerrillas targeted and hit a military convoy of 20 military vehicles near Esendere as it headed to Gever for an operation at 22:00 on October 24. One vehicle was destroyed and 11 soldiers were verified killed in the retaliatory action after which a large quantity of ammunition and ID cards of 4 soldiers were seized.