The Turkish state continues its attacks against the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) amidst the earthquake disaster that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
In its daily statement about the war in southern Kurdistan, the Press Office of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) reported continued Turkish use of phosphorus bombs in guerrilla areas on 21 February, Tuesday.
Accordingly, the Turkish army carried out 17 attacks with phosphorus-containing shells fired from tanks. The attacks were 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.
At the same time, toxic smoke from lit car tires and other plastic material was discharged into an underground tunnel facility of guerrillas, reported the HPG.
The statement said that a group of Turkish occupation soldiers were targeted while trying to plant explosive devices around guerrilla positions in Çemço. "In order to maintain their defence, our forces struck the occupiers, using sabotage tactics," HPG said.
HPG also reported a total of 36 attacks with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons against the guerrilla positions in Gire Cudi resistance massif, Çemço and Sida.
On the other hand, the vicinity of the village of Gunde Bepalan was shelled by fighter jets.
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.
