According to the press centre of the People's Defence Forces (HPG), the Turkish army has carried out at least 77 attacks against the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) since 24 April. Guerrillas from the HPG and YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) exercised their right to self-defence and two soldiers were killed.

HPG reported a confrontation with the Turkish army in Sîda on 25 April when the guerrillas responded to three attacks carried out with heavy weapons. In the Girê Cûdî resistance area, the Turkish army carried out several attacks with heavy weapons on the same day. At 9.00 a.m., the YJA Star counterattacked, killing one soldier. Another soldier died after guerrillas responded to an attack by the Turkish invading forces at 4.20 pm.

On 24, 25 and 26 April, the Turkish army attacked the Girê Cûdî and Girê Amêdî resistance areas as well as guerrilla positions in the Çemço and Sîda areas eight times with attack helicopters and 69 times with howitzers, tanks and heavy weapons.

Turkey's attacks continue despite a ceasefire announced by the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK). The decision was taken after the devastating earthquake disaster in the Turkish-Syrian border area on 6 February. The Kurdish guerrillas, which include the HPG and the YJA Star (Free Women's Troops), are implementing the call for a cessation of all hostilities and are in a defensive position.

In a statement on February 9, the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), an umbrella organization of the Kurdish freedom movement of which the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) is also a member, called for a halt of military actions in Turkey, in metropolises and cities. “It is necessary to prevent the people from experiencing even more suffering in this affliction”, said Cemil Bayık, co-chairman of the executive council of the KCK.

The Central Headquarters of the People's Defence Forces (HSM) expressed support for the KCK's call and said on February 11 that the guerrillas were ready to do their part to alleviate the suffering of people.

On March 27, the KCK Executive Council co-chair Besê Hozat announced that the unilateral ceasefire would remain in place until after the elections to be held in Turkey on May 14.