Information Desk - The Turkish Invasion of South Kurdistan
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Press Release #7

March 26, 1995

We received the following communique, "To The Press And Public
Opinion, Statement Number 1", from the Military Council of the
People's Liberation Army of Kurdistan (ARGK) in Botan, Kurdistan:

              We Will Expel The Turkish Army From Kurdistan

     This is a five day summary of what has happened in the
aftermath of the Turkish invasion of South Kurdistan. The Turkish
army has undertaken an all-out operation using armoured vehicles,
tanks, helicopters, and fighter planes. In this massive attack,
including residential areas, much of rural Kurdistan has been
bombed. Since we knew of the impending invasion, our mobile forces
were prepared to resist the attack and we have inflicted heavy
losses on the Turkish forces.
     On March 19-20, Turkish tanks and armoured vehicles moved into
Zaxo and then proceeded towards Haftanin. We then ambushed the
advancing units between Zaxo and Haftanin and we halted their
movement and inflicted losses. During the day, our forces came in
contact with enemy forces in the Sinaht, Hezil, and Habur regions
along the border and again the enemy forces were encircled, some of
them were killed and many others were bewildered. Between Habur and
Zap in the Kendora valley, at Hirror, Ciyaye Kulli, Derkar, and the
Zap bridge, the Turkish soldiers were attacked six times and again
they suffered losses. These hit and run tactics have slowed down
the enemy forces and hampered their movements on the ground.
     Finding themselves landlocked on inhospitable terrain, the
enemy forces have airlifted their forces into the Xapuske region
between Kari and the Metina mountains. On the night of March 23,
they airlifted some more troops into the Kandine region. Here, our
guerrilla units encircled the headquarters of the Turkish troops
and forced them to retreat from the area. The enemy forces have not
been able to move into the Zap and Avasin regions. There, Turkish
fighter planes have exacted heavy losses in the residential areas.
On March 21, in the Basya valley, our fighters ambushed another
Turkish military convoy. Some of the military vehicles, along with
their occupants, found themselves in the Avasin river. Local
residents noted that the enemy forces suffered heavy losses.
     As a result, the enemy movement on the ground has come to a
standstill. In the air, they are ineffective against our mobile
forces. To date, as of Friday, March 24, our losses stand at 17 and
we also have 10 injured fighters. We have no exact information on
the enemy losses, but we estimate the number to be some 300
soldiers and their officers. There are probably as many injured
troops as well.
     For example, at Xanxurke, the enemy had 4 of its soldiers
killed and 3 of them injured. During the Basya valley attack, some
soldiers were killed in the fighting and others drowned in the
Avasin river. In Kendora region on March 20, 15 enemy soldiers were
killed and more were injured. At the Kandine headquarters, close to
50 soldiers were put out of commission. On the hills of Derkar, the
enemy has yet to pick up its dead from the ground.
     Unlike the "good" news which is emanating from Ankara, the
Turkish soldiers are unable to fight a guerrilla war. Many of the
soldiers are displaying clumsy behaviour. They are still doing what
they are best at: killing Kurdish civilians and telling the world
that these are "terrorists". If this is the truth then why aren't
they showing these supposedly killed Kurdish fighters to the media?
     The people of Zaxo have been subjected to intimidation and
torture since the beginning of this operation. The region between
Hezil and Zap has been bombarded heavily and the residents of
Derkar, Devgerli, and Holina have fled their villages. In the Zap
valley, the villages of Gare, Sili, and Edi have also been
bombarded from the air. All the villages between Zap and Avasin
have been evacuated. In Gazine village, a shepherd was murdered by
the invading forces. At Orke and Banya, Turkish planes have hit
some of the houses, killing a 6-year-old girl and wounding 6 other
people. The villages of Kale and Baluka have been searched and 3
residents were killed.
     The people of South Kurdistan have been rallying against the
Turkish invasion of their state. In Dohuk, the residents of the
city have demonstrated against the presence of the enemy. There are
reports that a larger demonstration has also taken place at
Sulaymania.
     The Turkish government has received the blessings of the
international community, especially that of the United States of
America. Their mission, Operation Provide Comfort, has become a
guise to choke the Kurds. Notwithstanding the international support
which Turkey enjoys, this is the last foray of Turkish soldiers
into South Kurdistan. We will expel them soon - and for good.