What is happening in Heftanin?

The guerrillas' "resistance offensive Cenga Heftanin" against the Turkish invasion has been going on for three weeks now. Lalêş Rêber reports from Heftanin.

On 15 June, the Turkish state started an invasion in the region of Heftanin in Southern Kurdistan. Since June 16, the Turkish army has been trying to deploy troops in the region. The guerrillas are countering with the "resistance offensive Cenga Heftanin". In order to frustrate the plans of the invading troops, the decisive factor is the resistance of the guerrillas. Here, the commitment and determination of the fighters play a particularly decisive role.

The Kurdish guerrilla force has grown stronger and popular uprisings and changes in the guerrilla's tactics gave new life to the guerrilla. Today, Heftanin is at the centre of developments.

The guerrillas give us daily balance sheets about the losses of the Turkish army. They document their actions through video recordings, but the Turkish government only concedes the death of four soldiers. But this war is not only about the guerrilla. The expulsion of people from the mountain villages, the destruction and burning down of houses in these villages, the bombing of animals and agricultural land, the deadly attacks in which no distinction is made between guerrilla fighters and small children, and the high technology that is used, make this fact clear.

The connection between the people and the guerrillas is wanted to be broken, therefore the Turkish state attacks not only the mountains but also civilian settlements and tries to force the region under its rule. Hill Xantur is within sight of three parts of Kurdistan. That is why this hill, which towers above Zakho, Botan and Karacox, is wanted to be brought under control. Then it is planned to advance to the south, to the Zendura region, and finally a connection to Lêlikan is to be established via Metina. So the invasion will affect the entire region of Southern Kurdistan. The Turkish military had already failed in such an operation in 1992.

The people of Southern Kurdistan are only partially aware of the situation. The conscious sections of the population have taken to the streets and made it clear that they do not want the Turkish occupying army in their country. The fact that the government of Southern Kurdistan does not recognise the situation and turns a blind eye and leaves the peshmerga without initiative shows that it is incapable of protecting its population. This makes it more than clear to the people who are willing to open their eyes that there is no alternative to the mutual support of guerrilla and people. Nothing is stronger than a population that stands behind its guerrilla force.

The resistance may take a long time, but will be victorious

Heavy fighting between the Turkish army and the guerrilla is taking place in the areas of Xantur, Şeşdara and Dûpişk. Many soldiers have been killed so far and actions of the guerrillas continue. Eleven guerrilla fighters have also died in the fighting. They have sacrificed their lives to protect the people in Southern Kurdistan. It looks like the war will last a long time. The guerrilla has no intention to retreat and the occupying troops do not have the courage to come down from the occupied hills. The guerrillas continue their resistance. The resistance may last long, but it will be victorious.