PYD Presidential Council member, Foza Yusif, spoke to ANHA about the announcement by the People's Defence Centre (HSM) that said that 17 guerrillas were killed after a Turkish chemical attack.

“The invading Turkish state is carrying out inhuman massacres against our people and using chemical weapons,” Yusif said.

Yusif added: “We will not take a step back against Turkish aggression and we will stand by the guerrillas. We need to announce to the world that we will not bow down to this persecution. We will stand by our fighters who defend our land and honour."

Yusif continued: “We call on our people to stand up against the massacres and barbarian attacks by the invading Turkish state. Let's expose the aggression of the fascist Turkish state.

We are proud of our heroes. It is our duty to protect them. Our people will continue the struggle no matter the cost. No weapon can destroy our will and our hope for a free life.”