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.
The Press Centre of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) released a statement providing information about the recent attacks by the Turkish army in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
According to the statement, the invading army carried out 59 attacks on guerrilla areas on March 24 and 25.
The area of Girê Çarçêl and the vicinity of the Şêlazê village in Metîna were bombed twice by Turkish fighter jets on March 24.
On March 25, the Girê Cûdî Resistance Area, Girê Şehîd Kamuran and the vicinity of the Lolan river, as well as the guerrilla positions in Çemço and Sîda were targeted by 57 attacks with helicopters, howitzers, mortars, tanks and heavy weapons.
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.
