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 forces carried out almost eighty attacks on southern Kurdistan on Monday. The targets of the bombardments were guerrilla positions in various regions in the Medya Defense Zones. HPG recorded 79 attacks with howitzers, tanks and other heavy weapons throughout the day.

In Zap, guerrilla positions near the village of Sîda and in Çemço were bombed. Both locations belong to the Sheladize sub-district near the town of Amadiya in Duhok governorate and have been the focus of the occupation forces since the partial withdrawal of the Turkish army from the Zap region at the end of last year.

In Metîna, the area around Girê Ortê was taken under artillery fire. In Xakurke, the Turkish army shelled the Girê Şehîd Kamuran and Girê Şehîd Heqî resistance massifs as well as the area around the Lolan river.

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.