July 7, 1995

ARGK Statement Concerning The Latest Turkish Incursion Into South
Kurdistan

     The latest military incursion of the Turkish army into South
Kurdistan (northern Iraq) is, in fact, not a new development. The
area around the Iraqi border and the Zagros region (where the
borders of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey meet) has been a constant area
of conflict for a long time now. During the course of this
conflict, the Turkish military authorities have had to evacuate 4
military bases and some village guard settlements and has
attempted to centralize them in so-called "strategic villages".
Having lost control in this region, the Turkish authorities are
now finding it impossible to get village guard militias to
participate in military operations and fear they may turn against
them.
     Therefore, the Turkish army has concentrated its forces in
certain areas which are now coming under guerrilla attacks. The
latest military operation is an attempt to prevent guerrilla
attacks on the remaining bases. The areas on the side of the
Iraqi border that have been targeted are those areas that could
be used for launching attacks on these bases. Clashes over the
last few days have occurred all along the border as far as
Xankurke and have been concentrated in the Gerdi region. The
first Turkish units were ambushed and the Turkish forces have
been attempting to reach Avashin and Munzuri for 4 days now. They
have suffered heavy casualties and succeeded in getting as far as
Miroz, an area controlled by Barzani's forces. 7 villages in the
area have been bombarded and villagers have been massacred on the
orders of the 'Cevik' headquarters. We heard the order being
given over walkie-talkie and we heard that it had been carried
out, but we have not yet confirmed this.
     There have also been clashes in the border region around
Cukurca. The Turkish forces have been unable to advance from this
area. East of Cukurca there have also been clashes around Mt.
Cilo and the Turkish forces have advanced into Iraqi territory in
the Burcela area, but they have not been able to advance very
far.
     During these clashes, we have lost a total of 3 guerillas
with another 7 slightly wounded. Turkish army casualties are in
the hundreds. Our forces have seized many weapons.
     The enemy is prepared to suffer these casualties solely in
order to protect their limited forces in the area, for unless
they do this it will be impossible for them to defend these
targets. They are endeavouring to prevent us from carrying out
our plans. We are aware of this and yesterday they themselves
admitted as much. The enemy is also trying to conceal the
reality in the region by waging a psychological war to make it
seem like they are able to carry out such operations. In reality,
they are not in a position to advance very far. They now only
have 4 battalions in the Cukurca area, 1 in Gerdi, and several in
Gewer. This summer we will attack and destroy these targets. The
enemy, aware of our intentions, is endeavouring to prolong the
existence of these bases by going on the offensive.
     Our forces, however, are prepared and we are intensifying
our activities. We have plans to defeat the efforts of the enemy
and we are determined to carry out our objective of destroying
the Turkish bases in the area, thereby establishing our authority
over an extensive area. This is our goal for the summer. We will
not accept anything less.

People's Liberation Army of Kurdistan (ARGK)