The battle for the western Zap region in the guerrilla-held Medya Defence Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) continues unabated. The Turkish army has been trying to capture PKK guerrilla positions in the region for two years. Last winter, the Turkish army had to withdraw in the face of resistance from the guerrillas. The invading forces and their collaborators are very active ahead of the coming winter.

The KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party), South Kurdistan’s ruling party which is collaborating with the invading forces, is being deployed for the Turkish army's attacks against the guerrillas. As the guerrillas have so far been reluctant to attack KDP units in order not to play into the hands of the Turkish interest in an open war between the KDP and the PKK, KDP troops are mainly being used to build roads and fortifications for the Turkish army. At the moment, KDP troops are using heavy excavators to build roads to the guerrilla positions. The latest guerrilla footage clearly shows the KDP's approach. In addition, huge protective walls can be seen along the military roads, which are intended to protect the Turkish troops from the guerrillas' guided missiles.

Commenting on the role of the KDP, PKK Executive Council member Murat Karayılan said the following last week: "The enemy is largely stuck. It can neither control the area nor retreat. Last year, they withdrew from some areas such as Girê Cûdî, Girê Amêdî and Girê Pirdoğan. This year, they wanted to occupy these areas again and this time relied on the KDP. With the support of the KDP, they want to occupy the places they were unable to occupy or take last year. Last year, the KDP troops were stationed in Metîna, behind Kanîmasî on a mountain range that we call Girê Ortê. Our guerrillas were there; we told them not to interfere and we withdrew from there. We knew that the mountain range was long and that it would therefore not be a problem if they got stationed in one place. But this year the enemy came with helicopters and airdropped troops 100 metres away from these positions. That means they operate under the protection of these defences, and from there they advance on the ground. A few days ago, it was reported in the press that the soldiers seen in front of the KDP headquarters had been airdropped. In the Çarçela area, the Turkish army marched in under the leadership of the KDP and occupied Sêgirê. The Turkish state wants to take advantage of our cautious attitude by relying on the KDP. This is how the region is meant to be occupied. This is the Turkish state's approach. If it were strong, it would not do this. It is a sign of its weakness. It wants to directly trigger an internal Kurdish war. But this war already exists anyway. The public should realise what this means."