In its daily statement about the war in southern Kurdistan, the Press Office of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) reported continued Turkish attacks against the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).

According to the HPG statement on Thursday, the Turkish army carried out 74 attacks against guerrilla forces with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons on Wednesday, February 22. The attacks were again directed against resistance positions of guerrillas in the Çemço region and in the immediate surroundings of the village of Sîda. Both areas are located in the Sheladize sub-district in the district of Amadiya.

Wednesday’s attacks also targeted the Girê Ortê and Girê Cûdî resistance areas in Metina region.

Turkey's attacks came 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.