It is claimed that the Turkish army has set up checkpoints and is performing ID control in Amadia, Berwarê Bala and Kanîmasî regions.

Speaking to the SNN news, PUK Duhok Deputy Chairperson Eli Mistefa confirmed the claims and said that Turkish military activities have increased in Amadia region.

Mistefa pointed out that the number of Turkish soldiers and intelligence agents coming to Amadia is increasing dramatically, and continued: “There are more than 50 Turkish tanks and armored vehicles in Bamernê town and over 500 Turkish soldiers in Kanîmasî. The Kanîmasî base is being used as a spot from which personnel are dispatched to other military bases.”

Remarking that Turkish soldiers have set up checkpoints and are performing ID control in Amadia and Berwarê Bala region, Mistefa said: “The locals passing through Berwarê Bala hamlet are being stopped at checkpoints and subjected to ID control. In some areas, Turkish soldiers are conducting this mission secretly for fear of PKK guerrillas.”

Local sources also report an increasing activity at the Turkish state's military bases in Southern Kurdistan.

In accordance with an agreement with the KDP, the Turkish state set up intelligence camps on Duhok-Zakho-Hewlêr line in 1992 and these were turned into military camps in 1997.

Turkey has military bases in Bamernê, Şeladizê, Batufa, Kanimasi, Kiribî, Sinekê, Sirî, Kubkê, Kumri, Koxê Spî, Serê Zêr, Geliyê Zakho and Amadia. There are also Turkish intelligence MİT's offices in Hewlêr and Duhok.

On the other hand, reports suggest that the old military airport in Harir region near Hewlêr is being used as a base now.