The Turkish army continues its attacks on guerrilla positions in southern Kurdistan although the guerrillas have been in a defensive position for humanitarian reasons since the severe earthquake in the Turkish-Syrian border region on 6 February.
According to the daily statement by the Press Office of the People's Defence Forces (HPG), the Turkish army carried out 33 attacks on guerrilla positions in the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) on 22 and 23 March.
HPG reported that Turkish fighter jets bombed the Girê Amêdî Resistance Area on 22 March.
32 further attacks by the Turkish army were carried out with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons on guerrilla positions in Çemço and Sîda as well as on the Girê Amêdî and the Girê FM resistance area on 22 and 23 March.
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.
