Sheladize Region Youth Assembly has issued a written statement regarding the Turkish state's attack and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (PDK) on the Zap, Avaşin and Metina areas. The statement condemned the attacks and said that young people will not remain silent.

The statement said: “We condemn the invading Turkish state's attacks on South Kurdistan. The Turkish state should know that we are strong, alive and working for our people. Your soldiers came to our lands without our consent, so we will not remain silent about these attacks. This is not your place or territory. Even if we fell as martyrs, there will be thousands of young people who will take revenge. We see you as the enemy of the Kurdish people. The Kurdistan Region government has also chosen to remain silent about the attacks. We will not be silent, no matter the consequences.

In the past, the KDP, together with the Turkish MIT, attacked the Sheladize region and its surroundings. 40 civilians were killed in airstrikes targeting young people. None of our martyrs betrayed the enemy.”

The statement continued listing the issues faced by the area: “Unemployment has been affecting young people for 13 years. Various promises were made in election propaganda, appointing young people before the election and providing them with job opportunities. Some young people in the Sheladize region have fled to foreign countries because of the lies of the government.

The Turkish MIT is targeting young people in South Kurdistan. Roj forces are working hard to silence and arrest young people. We have information that some of the detainees are under the age of 13.

The Sheladize Region Youth Assembly will take action against the oppression of our innocent people who were arrested and killed.”