Turkey has been trying to occupy the Zap region in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) for three years. So far, the attempt has failed due to the resistance of the HPG (People's Defence Forces) and YJA Star (Free Women's Troops). Now, in cooperation with the KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) dominated by the Barzani clan, troops have been stationed in the region. The KDP is laying roads along the foothills to penetrate deeper into the region and has established bases on the southern front of Zap. Road construction continues uninterrupted and is intended to open up the terrain for the Turkish army. Several points have been taken by the KDP and there is a large contingent of troops in the area.

On 2 August, military units of the KDP were deployed to the Amadiya district and from there towards the guerrilla areas. The KDP has been supporting the Turkish occupation attacks on the guerrilla areas for a long time and often participates directly in them. The Turkish army is moving in many areas with the support of the KDP to advance against the guerrillas. On several occasions, Turkish military personnel have been found to be acting as supposed peshmerga, especially in the Zap, and attacking the guerrillas from KDP’s bases. 

A Turkish military operation in the guerrilla area of Girê Ortê in Metîna on 29 and 30 July was also supported by the KDP. According to the HPG, bodies of soldiers who died in the operation were transported out of the operation area by land with the help of the KDP. The HPG stated on 30 July: "The Turkish army is unsuccessful in the face of resistance from our forces and is attacking our forces in the Girê Ortê resistance area in Metîna in cooperation with the KDP in order to capture the area."