The Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-Presidency Council Member Aldar Xelil spoke to ANF about the Turkish state's attacks on Shengal, the impact of Shengal's situation on Rojava and what should be done against the attacks.

'ROJAVA IS ON THE SIDE OF SHENGAL'

Xelîl pointed out that the Turkish state, which has repeatedly attacked Shengal, wants to leave the Yazidis without leaders. “It seems that the Turkish state has agreed on a concept with regional and some international states to deal a blow to the struggle of the Kurdish people. Because three years ago, on the same day, Mam Zeki was also targeted in Shengal. This is not a coincidence. Their aim in targeting Mam Zeki was to leave the Yazidi people without a leader in their resistance. Those who lead the Yazidi people are currently being targeted. It is not about the identity of an organization; it is about eliminating leaders among the Yazidi people. On the same date, they targeted Seid Hesen, known as the leader of the Yazidi people,” he said.

“By targeting the hospital, the Turkish state gave this message to the Yazidi people; 'I will shoot you in the fields of diplomacy, humanitarian activities, health and service. I will shoot you wherever you claim your identity’. Although international law disallows targeting hospitals, Turkey has indeed targeted a hospital. This is a proof that the Turkish state is still persistent in destroying the Kurdish people, especially the Yazidi people.”

Xelîl made the following remarks about the simultaneous attacks from South Kurdistan to Shengal and Rojava:

“There have been intense attacks against guerrilla forces and Kurdistan freedom fighters for a while. The attacks against Shengal, the Kurdistan mountains and Rojava are part of a concept. Wherever the Turkish state shows its sovereignty, Rojava will be in trouble. Just as Rojava played an active role in the liberation of Shengal together with the guerrilla and other forces when ISIS attacked Shengal, it is the same situation now. If Shengal falls, Rojava will also fall. If Shengal gets upset, so does Rojava. If the enemy takes a step there, it means that they have surrounded Rojava and struck a blow. The circle over Rojava is tightened and all kinds of attacks are carried out. The same concept is implemented in Shengal. Just as ISIS attacked Shengal and the Yazidi people, they mainly wanted to eliminate the existence of the Kurdish people by targeting the Yazidis. Rojava always sides with Shengal and its people.”

‘IRAQI GOVERNMENT IS A PARTY TO THESE ATTACKS'

Xelil also talked about the fact that attacks were carried out when Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was in Shengal for talks. He continued:  “When the attack took place, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was in Shengal. He had allegedly come to condemn the massacres in the region, to protect the Yazidi people, and to manifest the Iraqi government's attitude towards the region. The invading Turkish state attacked Shengal at a time when Kadhimi came for a visit, but they remain indifferent. In other words, they are also a party to these attacks. Iraq is a sovereign state and is recognized by the UN as an independent country. However, if the Turkish state conducts military operation on Iraqi soil and attacks some parts of it, it means that Iraq has no sovereignty. Kadhimi is also acting as prime minister of the Iraqi government. He acts as a partner to the Turkish state."

‘EVERYONE SHOULD CLAIM SHENGAL’

Xelil stressed that the whole world should embrace Shengal, adding, “The global public opinion and international organizations should adopt an attitude against these acts. What does the Turkish state want from these people? Every party needs to reveal its attitude. Our people in Kurdistan and abroad should also claim Shengal. Nobody should say that 'This is Shengal, I have no nothing to do with it'. Shengal is the place where the resistance and dignity of the Kurds are determined. It is a sacred symbol of freedom against all forms of brutality and fascism. We hope that all our people will claim Shengal in all kinds of actions.”