The Iraqi attacks on the self-governing Yazidi region of Shengal in South Kurdistan continue to escalate. After the Iraqi military tried to take control of check-points of the Êzidxan Asayiş (the security forces of the democratic self-governing region), near Dugire on Monday, the Iraqi military attacked Asayiş positions in Sinune, Shengal and Xanesor.

At 2 am on Tuesday morning, the security forces attacked the Cidalê checkpoint near Tilezer amid reports of ensuing clashes. The army then attacked positions of the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) and the Shengal Women's Units (YJŞ) in Geliyê Silo and Sikêniye.

Despite the barriers posed by the Iraqi forces, the people of Shengal gathered at the center of the Ezidxan Asayish in the town of Sinunê and expressed their support for their security forces in response to the attacks.

Kinê Xidir, a member of THE Free Yazidi Women’s Movement (Tevgera Azadiya Jinên Yazidi, TAJE), read a statement on behalf of the public and stated that they will struggle with their children to safeguard the gains of Yazidi society till the end.

"The al-Kadhimi government wants us to hand over our gains won with the blood of our martyrs to them cheaply," Xidir stated, adding that they joined together around the Ezidxan Asayish: “ We, the mothers, and the people of Shengal, will fight against them until the bitter end. We will protect our rights, and we will do everything we can to build an Autonomous Shengal.”

“We know that even if we give up the Ezidxan Asayish, YBŞ, and YJŞ, Iraq will still not defend the Yazidi people again,” said Kinê Xidir and continued, "Even if we remain one person, we will defend our children, our mountains, our faith, and our culture.  We will protect ourselves and continue our fight against those who are tearing apart our society and destroying our faith and culture. As the women and people of Shengal, we will not allow any force to attack our children. We will fight against betrayal, as well as their dirty wars and tactics, until the end."