Turkish troops entered the villages of Banikê and Mininê in the Heftanin region of Southern Kurdistan, Northern Iraq on Friday morning and set several houses on fire. The inhabitants had to flee because of the attacks. In videos taken shortly after the attack it can be seen that the houses were looted. Some houses burned down completely, others were severely damaged.

On Saturday morning, villagers were prevented from returning to Banikê by security forces of the South Kurdistan’s ruling party KDP, leading to quarrel. The villagers insist on looking after their gardens and animals because they are their only source of income. The blockade continues.

At the moment, the occupation troops are said to be on the nearby slopes, and fighting with the guerrillas continues. The guerrillas are currently preventing further advancement of the Turkish military.

The village of Ewle near Banikê has been evacuated due to continuous air attacks. The villagers are protesting that Banikê is now also intended to be depopulated.