The Press Centre of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) issued a statement providing information about the ongoing Turkish invasion campaign in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).

According to the statement, the guerrilla positions near the village of Sîda and in Çemço in the Zap region were again attacked by the Turkish army on Saturday. HPG reported 24 attacks by fighter jets, howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons.

In the Metina region, Turkish forces attacked the guerrillas at Girê FM Resistance Area on 4 March, facing a response from guerrillas with heavy weapons in an act of self-defense.

The guerrilla positions in Çemço were shelled by Turkish jets 5 times.

The guerrilla positions in Çemço and Sida were shelled with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons 19 times.

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.