People’s Defense Center (HSM) Headquarters Command issued a written statement on the operation carried out by Turkish military in Amed between June 20 and July 2 with the participation of thousands of soldiers. HSM said 29 soldiers were killed and 14 others were wounded, while 7 guerrillas fell during the operation that resulted in total fiasco on the side of the Turkish army.

HSM recalled that Turkish military started a Lice-based operation against Marytr Kendal, Martyr Serxwebûn, Martyr Ferhat, Martyr Remzi and Apê Musa areas in Amed province on June 20. HSM informed that thousands of soldiers participated in this operation during which state forces intensely bombed the Kurdistan territory with weapons of the most advanced technology until it was ended on July 2.

HSM said bombardments of Turkish forces started a fire in a large territory that greatly damaged the fields, orchards and animals of locals.

On the other hand, Turkish soldiers tortured residents in every village in the region, which consequently claimed some civilian lives as was the case in Mehlê Hamlet, while many other civilians were arrested.

'THE GOAL IS TO SUPPRESS AND DISPLACE THE LOCALS'

HSM stressed that the imposition of a curfew during the course of the operation revealed the fact that this military campaign did not only target guerrillas but also aimed to suppress and displace the patriotic local population. HSM praised the honorable attitude of the locals who did not leave their land despite all the pressures, arrests and killings they have suffered.

'29 SOLDIERS KILLED'

The HSM statement continued, underlining that Turkish military that aimed an annihilation against guerrilla forces with use of advanced technology and participation of thousands of soldiers was inflicted heavy blows as a result of the actions by guerrillas, let alone inflict heavy blows on guerrilla forces.

According to the HSM statement, "guerrillas conducted 11 separate actions of counter-attack, which left 29 soldiers dead. 7 HPG guerrillas were martyred as a result of clashes and bombardments, while 2 others were taken prisoner and one other element surrendered to the enemy".

HSM refuted the reports on alleged surrender of several guerrillas, saying that these were civilian youths captured in the operation area.

HSM noted that civilian Mehmet Şirin Kocakaya "fell a martyr as a result of torture by the enemy forces" following the clash in the hamlet of Pêşkevir on June 30.

'AKP STATE TRIED TO DISTORT THE RESULTS OF THE OPERATION'

HSM Headquarters Command emphasised that the AKP state has traditionally resorted to tactics of psychological war after failing to achieve what it wanted with the operation.

The statement underlined; "A most obvious sample in this regard is the AKP state's allegation that the cannabis fields in the area belong to the guerrilla while it is planted near outposts under state protection despite the fact that the Kurdistan Freedom Movement has banned its distribution, sale and smoke since the very first day."

HSM stated that the Turkish state used the drug resources for its war budget and wanted to drag the Kurdish youth into the grip of drugs and thus alienate them from the Kurdistan Freedom Movement.

'MAJOR BLOWS INFLICTED ON THE ENEMY'

HSM stressed that the AKP state spread disinformation about this operation and its results although it has resulted in total fiasco and guerrillas inflicted major blows on the Turkish forces with an advanced maneuver capability and spirit of aggression during the 13 days of this military campaign.

HSM statement commemorated guerrillas Zinarîn, Egîd Kahraman, Egîd Mardin, Agir, Masîro, Şervan and Zinar that fell during the operation and patriotic civilian Mehmet Şirin Kocakaya, and vowed to achieve their mission; to liberate the Kurdish people and their leader Öcalan.

HSM Headquarters Command ended its statement by calling upon the people of Amed to enhance the struggle together with guerrillas.