The PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) is observing a self defense position but despite this the military operations by the Turkish army have increased. Indeed in the past three months 43 guerrillas have lost their life while air strikes as well as ground operations are continuing.

A number of Turkish soldiers have died as well in the past three months, but - as witnessed on 14 July with the clashes in Silvan/Diyarbakir - no attempt is made by the state to investigate and find out the truth. Indeed the state acts to favour the cover up by replicating speculations and lies.

Since June 12, day of the general elections scores of operations have been carried out by the Turkish army. Thirty one have been detailed, among which:

* 17 June an operation was launched around Þemdinli and across the border into the Kurdistan Federal Region.

* 19 June a new operation was launched in Muþ and Varto.

* 20 June operation launched in Muþ leading to the closure of many villages.

* 22 June operation launched in Mardin/Sürgücü (Sýtewre).

* 24 June operation launched in Hakkari/Yüksekova.

* 29 June operation launched in Dersim.

* 3 July operation launched in Bulanýk.

* 7 July operation launched in Dersim/Pülümür. Clashes between Turkish troops and HPG guerrillas.

* 8 July in Pülümür one soldier died and three were wounded as a result of clashes.

* 9 July operation launched at the border between Turkey and Iran.

* 10 July operations reported in Diyarbakýr, Bingöl and Dersim.

* 12 July operation launched in Diyarbakýr/Dicle.

* 12 July operation launched in Þýrnak.

* 14 July operation in Diyarbakýr/Lice.

* 14 July operation in Diyarbakýr/Silvan ended with 13 soldiers dead and 7 wounded.