The press centre of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) reported that the Turkish air force has carried out numerous air strikes against the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) in the past 24 hours.

"The Turkish occupying army continues to attack our forces with all means of warfare at its disposal," said the HPG statement, according to which, Turkish warplanes carried out at least eight airstrikes on different regions of Medya Defense Zones on Thursday. The areas shelled by Turkey are the Golka area and the surroundings of the village of Şelazê in Metîna; Berdesorê and Sinînê in Xakurke; and Çemço in Zap.

The heavily contested guerrilla area of Çemço was also attacked by combat helicopters. As ground attacks by Turkish troops also continue, HPG reported fourteen bombardments with tanks, howitzers and other heavy weapons since yesterday.

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.