Footage obtained by ANF shows the Turkish state’s employment of chemical weapons in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). The video, taken on 4 November 2023, proves the use of chemical weapons in the Şehid Pirdoğan battle tunnels of the guerrillas on Amediye hill. The footage shows intense gas emerging from the guerrilla tunnels, while the KDP forces, in parallel, work with construction equipment to pave a way to the tunnels.

The Kurdistan Freedom Movement is putting up historic resistance in the Girê Amediye battle tunnels in the Şehîd Delîl Western Zap region.

As part of the occupation operation it launched in the Western Zap region on 25 May 2022, the Turkish army airdropped troops in the area of Girê Amediye. The Turkish troops have committed numerous war crimes in the area since, violating all moral principles. The guerrilla forces in the area, including mobile units, have not only protected the hills in the area but also managed to repel the Turkish army from these hills.

The Turkish army suffered a historic defeat and was forced to retreat from the Şehîd Delîl Western Zap region, including the areas of Girê Cudî and Girê Amediye, in December 2022. With substructure and logistics support from the KDP, the Turkish army made another attempt at occupation in September 2023. The KDP built roads for the Turkish army, provided assistance for Turkish troops’ deployment next to their own bases and smoothed sites for airdrop missions by Sikorsky helicopters.