MESOPOTAMIA NEWS : PKK/KCK  STATEMENT – ERDOGAN STRIKES HEAVY CONTRA PKK GUERILLA IN IRAQ

MESOP  30. April 2021 – On the evening of April 23, the Turkish army started a full-scale military operation in the South Kurdish regions Avasin, Zap and Metina. The attack came only hours after a phone call between the American President Joe Biden and his Turkish counterpart Erdogan. It is also noteworthy that the start of the Turkish operation coincides with the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During the non-stop fighting between the Turkish army and the HPG guerrilla forces since April 23 dozens of Turkish soldiers have reportedly been killed. The HPG has also reported four casualties among its own ranks.

In its official statements the KCK has stressed that the new attack is aimed at occupying all of South Kurdistan including Mosul and Kirkuk. This would have drastic consequences for the local population – mainly Kurdish, but including also Assyrian, Arab and Ezidi communities. The daily cases of rape, murders, extortion and demographic change in Afrin – a region in North-West Syria which has been under Turkish occupation since 2018 – underline the huge danger South Kurdistan is facing today.

The relations of Turkey and the international community – especially the EU and USA – have continuously been a top issue for international journalists. All over the world protests took place in the last days against the latest military operation of Turkey in South Kurdistan. Yet, until now international media coverage on the issue has been scarce.

In case you are interested in reporting on the Turkish attack on South Kurdistan, we would be happy to assist you by providing on-the-ground information, organizing interviews with KCK representatives or helping you organize trips to the region. Please don`t hesitate to contact us for further information.

Best,

Azad Serdar

KCK Press Relations Office