Families of fighters and martyrs in Êzîdxan (Êzidî Land) released a statement in the Serdeşt region condemning the KDP attack on Shengal soil.

The statement on behalf of the families was read by İlyas Qasım who stated the followings;

“The latest attack on our people was carried out by groups who fled from Shengal, Tal Afar and Rojava to South Kurdistan and were armed and trained here by the Turkish state. These people who call themselves 'Rojava Peshmerga' and who are led by the KDP President, are acting with the support and instruction of the Turkish state. This group is attacking YBŞ/YJŞ which is comprised of Êzidî women and youth that liberated thousands of square kilometers of the Êzidî land with their blood.

The attack was carried out against the Êzidî community as this mentioned group deployed their tanks and artilleries where they are not needed at all. They tried to invade this territory unbeknown to YBŞ and Êzîdxan Asayish. When YBŞ and Asayish members went near them to ask why they came, they answered them by opening fire, leaving 5 YBŞ fighters and 2 HPG guerrillas martyred.

This planned attack which came soon after Barzani's visit to Turkey aims to annihilate the will of the Êzidîs. We are today facing with attacks and attempts of a massacre just like what happened on 3 August, 2014. However, this latest plan has been frustrated by the young women and men of the Êzîdxan.

As families of fighters and martyrs, we announce that we will stand against all attacks targeting Êzidîs. We are here to defend the Mount Shengal. We will defend our land and never bow down.

We urge the KDP to withdraw its forces that have done nothing for our people and disturb the peace of this region. We also ask the Iraqi government to help push the Turkish gangs out of our land."