Three Turkmens have reached HPG (People's Defense Forces) guerrillas after fleeing from ISIS gangs holding them captive for three months.

Muhtar Muhammed, his brother Abdulbasir Zeynel Muhammed and son Casım Muhtar Muhammed were among the many Êzîdî and Turkmen people kidnapped by ISIS gangs in the Semina village near Telafer town in Sinjar on August 3.

The three Turkmens who took refuge in the area controlled by HPG guerrillas after fleeing the captivity by ISIS gangs at the night of 9 October, thanked PKK fighters for the help they provided; telling that; “On 9 October night, we were able to find an opportunity to flee from the gangs and reached the PKK guerrillas. We saw how friendly and helpful they are. They met all our needs within the bounds of possibility. We appreciate their help. They are our brothers. We are however not pleased with the approach of the Turkish state which is assisting those perpetrating this massacre, let alone help us. We are therefore angry at them. The PKK fighters are on the other hand helping everyone from any folk and faith group. They are our brothers.”

Muhtar Muhammed, who recalled that they had been living together with the Êzîdî people for many years before the ISIS siege, told the followings as to what they have been through; “When inhumane ISIS gangs surrounded Sinjar on 3 August, we took our way to the Mount Sinjar, just like what was done by many Êzîdî and Turkmen people. Gangs stopped us when we reached an area between Sinjar and the Mountain. Following our detention, they brought near us some other Êzîdî and Turkmen people whom they had taken captive after the mass killing. They later confined us to a house where we have been forced to live, hungry and thirsty, for three months. It was only an Êzîdî neighbor who helped us, bringing us both food and water. We would have died of hunger or thirst if it hadn't been for him. In the meantime, the gangs didn't know that we are Shiite. We had to hide this truth in order not to be killed by them, just like what happened to many Êzîdî and Shiite brothers and sisters of ours. And what's more, many other Turkmens are still being held captive by the ISIS gangs.”