At least seven Turkish soldiers were killed in a retaliatory strike by Kurdish guerrillas in the Besta region near Şırnak province in North Kurdistan, according to the daily report of the press office of the People's Defense Forces (HPG) about the ongoing war in Kurdistan territory. The action took place on 22 July and was directed against the expansion of military infrastructure in the area around Gundê Omyanis.

"Our mobile units successfully infiltrated the enemy positions and struck with hand grenades and light weapons. Within a very short time, the occupiers were dealt a heavy blow," stated the HPG. Around midnight, the dead soldiers were evacuated from the battle area. On the morning of 23 July, the Turkish army launched an operation, which was stopped again "without results" on Thursday. "This operation carried out by our Botan forces is considered as a salute to the resistance of our selfless fighting friends in the war tunnels," the HPG said.

Şırnak is located in the tri-border area with Iraq and Syria and borders the Medya Defense Zones to the south. Most of the border areas there consist of mountainous regions that are difficult to access. The Turkish army operates a number of important logistical bases throughout the province, as the guerrilla areas of Zap and Metîna are directly opposite.

On the other hand, resistance to the Turkish invasion in guerrilla areas in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) continues unabated. According to the HPG statement, an attempted advance on the guerrillas' defensive positions in the Çemço area in Zap was repelled by a sniper unit yesterday, and one soldier was killed. In their immediate retreat, the occupation forces were again targeted by the guerrillas, this time with light and heavy weapons. Another soldier was killed in the action.

Continued war crimes by Turkey

With regard to Turkey's continued attacks against southern Kurdistan, HPG pointed out that Ankara is not able to break the guerrilla resistance despite its wide range of weapons and aerial technology. Therefore, the "colonialist army" continues to rely on the use of outlawed warfare agents. HPG recorded eleven bombings with chemical weapons and tactical nuclear explosives the previous day, spreading white and green smoke and causing respiratory distress. These attacks were directed against the Girê FM and Girê Amêdî resistance areas. There were also intensive reconnaissance flights by the Turkish Air Force.

Widespread fires due to Turkish shelling

In Girê Hekarî, Çemço and Saca, the HPG registered 14 air strikes by fighter jets. The areas of Werxelê, Çemço and Şehîd Adil were shelled dozens of times with tanks, howitzers and heavy weapons. Four more bombardments were carried out by attack helicopters. In addition to Girê FM, Çemço was also hit again. HPG also reported that the fires that broke out in Girê Hekarî as a result of attacks by the Turkish army are still raging.