In Southern Kurdistan, at least eight Turkish army personnel have been killed in guerrilla actions. This is according to an overview of the current war situation in the Medya Defense Zones, which was published on Sunday by the press office of the People's Defense Forces (HPG). Five soldiers were killed last Friday in the Zap region in an operation on the slopes of Werxelê.

Three other military personnel died today in neighboring Avaşîn during an infiltration attempt into a tunnel system. According to the HPG, the occupation forces approaching the facility were initially struck using sabotage tactics and struck at close range. "As a result of effective shelling, the death of three occupiers was recorded and two others were injured. As a result, the invaders had to retreat," it said.

The statement also gave details of bombardments by the Turkish military. According to HPG, attacks against guerrilla positions and the tunnel facilities in Werxelê and Girê Sor have been taking place almost continuously since Friday with the use of chemical agents. Yesterday, these attacks intensified.

"In the Werxelê area, large quantities of shells as well as chemical warfare agents were fired against our war tunnels. In addition, the occupiers attempted to carry out demolitions. Our forces responded accordingly and pushed back the invading forces. The demolition devices were rendered ineffective.

In Avaşîn, helicopter activity was registered in Mamreşo, Mervanos, Banista and Girê Silêman between 21:00 and 00:40. The Werxelê area has been bombed by fighter jets and attack helicopters between 23:00 and 23:30. On Sunday morning, at 4:50 a.m., rockets and shells were fired against our positions."