As the Turkish army starts fires in Dersim and Amed's forested areas, ecologists in Istanbul have decided to go to Dersim to investigate the ecological destruction in the city.

DERSIM

As a result of the Turkish forces' bombardment yesterday, a forest fire broke out in the mountainous areas of the Sevqu (Yaylagunu) and Xezku (Otlubahçe) villages in Dersim's Ovacık district. Even though the fire in a location with extensive woodland is swiftly spreading, no action has been taken to prevent it so far.

Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) Dersim Deputy Alican Önlü, as well as HDP provincial co-chairs Nurşat Yeşil and Ibrahim Kasun, wished to go to the village of Xezku, where a fire broke out in the morning. The HDP members were stopped by soldiers at the district's exit and were prevented from leaving.

AMED

A fire broke out in the forested area where the Turkish gendarmerie station is located in the Derkam (Duru) neighborhood in Amed's Lice district. According to the information received, the fire started as a result of the shootings in the woodland area surrounding the military post, and no intervention has taken place. The locals were concerned since the area affected by the fire is close to the settlements.

ECOLOGICAL ORGANIZATIONS GO TO DERSİM

In a joint statement, life-defenders in Istanbul and 34 environmental organizations announced their intention to travel to Kurdistan. Ecologists will travel to Dersim to investigate the city's ecological destruction and to stand in solidarity with the life-defenders there.