People's Defense Forces Press and Communication Centre (HPG-BIM) said in a written statement that the activity of the Turkish army at the border of Şırnak province continued increasingly with an intense bombardment.

HPG-BIM reported that guerrillas were acting with great discipline and accurateness against the intensifying military activity close to guerrilla zones on Heftanin border line.

According to the statement, Turkish troops at Maymun hill military post, which is located at the border to Heftanin, conducted an attack with heavy weapons targeting the Martry Kendal area between 11:30 – 17:00 on 21 April.

An intense activity of Skorsky type helicopters also took place between Maymun and Çete guard posts during the same hours.

Unmanned aerial vehicles of the Turkish army also performed intense reconnaissance flights over Deryê Davetîya area and the border line from yesterday afternoon till 8 am today.

HPG stated that Turkish soldiers and village guards have laid ambushes around the Thermal Power Plant, Coal Mine, Girê Herbul and Dêra Sor between the villages of Bespin and Gitê in Silopi district of Şırnak since 19 April.

HPG said that a counter-guerrilla unit wearing guerrilla clothes are ranging around in the villages of Bespin and Gitê.

Military activity has also increased at Şırnak town centre and the Siyah Kaya guard post on Girê Slêp hill in Kirya Reş area of Silopi for the last two days, HPG said.

According to the statement, Turkish troops at Şkefta Sor guard post, which is also located at Silopi border, carried out another bombardment with howitzer and mortars against surrounding areas.

HPG continued by reporting reconnaissance flights over Çiyayê Reş area of Zap between 1-2 am and over Ciloyê Piçuk and Ertuş areas between 21:00 – 21:30 yesterday. HPG also reported an activity of warplanes over Çiyayê Reş area between 23:00 yesterday and 02:30 today.

HPG-BIM added that Turkish army conducted another operation at the skirts of the Cum hill in Amed's Lice district on 19 April evening. The operation was ended after remaining inconclusive in the same evening.