HPG (People's Defense Forces) Maxmur-Kirkuk Front Commander Sertav Aso stated that they were prepared for all attacks and threats, and had the power to repel any massacre attempt. Aso stated that Turkey supported the ISIS attacks on Kobanê and continues its demobilization efforts targeting the Kurdish Freedom Movement. Aso pointed out the Turkish state’s open support for ISIS was proof of such demobilization policies.

Speaking to ANF, HPG Commander stated that ISIS gangs posed a threat not only for the Kurds in Rojava but also for all Kurds, and said that the gangs received heavy blows recently and wanted to get back their strength through their collaboration with the Turkish state. Aso said that HPG guerillas were ready to repel any attack on South Kurdistan and the preparations over the past year provided them with the resources necessary for the defense of this region.

‘GUERILLA FORCES HAVE NO INTENTION TO LEAVE SOUTH KURDISTAN’

Sertav Aso remarked that KDP officials’ suggestion that guerilla forces should leave South Kurdistan was aiming to create empty agendas and harmed the union of Kurdish people. Aso said that HPG and YJA-Star forces had no intention to leave South Kurdistan since Shengal and South Kurdistan are still under ISIS threat. Aso emphasized that questioning the presence of guerilla forces before removing the aforementioned threat did not serve Kurdish union, and reminded that Kurdish people in Shengal and South Kurdistan were pleased by HPG presence here.

HPG commander Aso stated that the defense of this region was only possible with the unification and joint operations of HPG and peshmerga forces, and suggested that everyone should concentrate on increasing our joint strength in the face of our enemies as opposed to questioning guerilla presence in South Kurdistan.