Environmentalists: Turkish bombardments destroy ecosystem

Environmental activists from South Kurdistan strongly protest against the bombing of South Kurdistan’s mountain regions by the Turkish military: "If this goes on, the entire population will be displaced and no animal will survive."

Since 27 May, the Turkish state has massively extended its attacks against the South Kurdistan regions of Bradost and Xakurkê. Every day, gardens, vineyards and forests are bombarded by Turkish fighter jets and many animals are killed. Although the attacks have just reached a special dimension, the region has suffered from bombardments for decades. For the local people, the region becomes practically uninhabitable and they are forced into migration.

According to current information, more than half of the 216 villages in the Bradost region have already been abandoned. There are 116 villages in four towns in Hajiawa region, 63 in Binarê Qandil, 123 in Zaxo and 310 in Soran.

The environmentalists complain that especially the water is poisoned and the bombing also worsens the air. Experts warn that the entire ecosystem of the region could collapse due to the bombardments. The burnt down slopes are also prone to landslides. The black smoke particles that are created by the fires caused by the bombings are dangerous for humans and the environment.

"The main reason for environmental pollution is war"

Attorney Nebil Musa explains: "The main reason for the environmental pollution here is the war. Our land is directly damaged and its historic sites are destroyed. The explosives harm the nature and living creatures. The fields of the farmers are burned down. The people must protest and build up pressure on the government. A restriction must be introduced for Turkey and Iran. If this continues, all the people will have to leave the region because of the attacks, and not a single animal will be left."

The co-chair of the Kurdistan environmental organization, Renc Eta, explains: "The bombings are causing serious damage to the environment. We have no center to investigate the explosives that remain in the region or the weapons used in the attacks. We do not know in which way the bombs harm us. The government does nothing in this regard. Specialists must investigate the damage caused by the bombing.”

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