The invading Turkish state has been attacking to occupy the lands of Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) with any means available. Frustrated by the guerrilla resistance, the invaders are destroying the nature of Kurdistan. The invading Turkish state has been plundering forest areas in Southern Kurdistan for years. The Turkish attacks are causing serious harm to the nature of the Kurdistan Region. Despite repeated calls and official statements against the Turkish plunder of nature, the Kurdistan Region government remains silent and has not taken any step so far.

Helkewt Abdulrahman, General Director of Forestry of the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Agriculture, spoke to Rojnews and stated that cutting trees in forest areas is against the laws of the Kurdistan Region, and it harms the nature and environment of the Kurdistan Region. “We and the entire world know that the forest areas within the borders of the Kurdistan Region are being destroyed and plundered. Something must be done to prevent it. The Ministry of Agriculture has submitted several requests to the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kurdistan region and the consulates of various countries to prevent the massive tree felling.”

Abulrahman noted that they do not know the extent of the damage caused by the attacks of the Turkish state, since fighting is going on in the border regions. “Attacks are negatively affecting the environment of the Kurdistan Region and trees should not be cut down anymore,” he said.

Emphasizing that the felling of trees by Turkish forces within the borders of the Kurdistan Region poses a major danger, Abulrahman added, “It is possible that this is being done for trade or use of wood for heating. Moreover, the threat to the forests is growing even more with the winter ahead of us.”