HPG reports ongoing Turkish airstrikes and attacks with banned weapons

The Turkish state escalates its attacks against guerrilla forces who 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 continues its attacks on guerrilla areas in the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).

HPG reported that the colonialist Turkish army has escalated aerial attacks on guerrilla forces in recent days.

On 6 May 6, the guerrilla positions in Girê FM Resistance Area were shelled with banned weapons.

On 4,5,6 May, the areas of Ergenê, Zêvkê, Şêranê, Yekmalê in Gâre, the vicinity of the Şelazê village and the area of Girê Bihar in Metîna were targeted by airstrikes 11 times.

On 6 and 7 May, the Girê Cûdî, Girê FM and Girê Amediyê resistance areas were targeted by 18 attacks with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons.

On the other hand, the Turkish army continues trying to demolish the battle positions in Girê FM Resistance Area with heavy construction equipment.

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.

On March 27, the KCK Executive Council co-chair Besê Hozat announced that the unilateral ceasefire would remain in place until after the elections to be held in Turkey on May 14.

According to the annual balance sheet of war in the Medya Defence Zones, published by the Central Headquarters of the People's Defence Forces on April 14, the Turkish army carried out 3,730 attacks with chemical and other unconventional bombs on guerrilla areas, 4,233 attacks by combat aircraft and 5,628 attacks by combat helicopters.

According to the balance sheet of war for the month of April, published by HPG on May 2, the Turkish army bombed Medya Defense Zones from the air and land 1081 times and attacked the guerrilla positions 8 times using chemical and banned weapons.