People’s Defence Forces (HPG) Press Office drew attention in a written statement to the increase in the military activity carried out by the Turkish army in North Kurdistan ahead of elections. HPG said the Turkish army increasingly continues laying ambushes and conducting reconnaissance flights over the guerrilla zones.

HPG reported that Turkish army conducted drone activities over Xakurke and Heftanin areas of Media Defence Zones between 07:00 – 12:30; over Metina area between 06:00 - 13:30; over Gelîyê Zap and Garêya Mezin areas at the border of Zap region between 06:00 – 07:30 on 26 May.

HPG reported that Turkish troops launched an operation from Maymun Hill military post and Gülyazı Artillery Barracks at 11: 00 on 26 May. The operation which was also supported by a number of armored vehicles targeted Kanîya Xîyara area at the border to Heftanin region of Media Defense Zones, and was retreated at 18:00 after remaining inconclusive. A unit of the Turkish army disguised and laid ambushes in the area.

According to the statement, Turkish troops carried out random bombardment in the areas surrounding the Girana guard post under Turkish army control at the border to Avashin region of Media Defense Zones between 20:00-20:30 on 26 May. On the same day, an activity of Turkish warplanes took place over Şuke area between 15:00 - 16:00.

HPG further reported that Turkish military forces with 12 armoured vehicles laid ambushes between the villages of Çelik and Seyfi in Mawa area of Botan region between 21:00 – 22:00 on 26 May. Ambush activities in the area continue with 8 armoured vehicles today, it added.

Turkish soldiers also laid ambushes and set up check points where they performed id controls on the roads to Alangt and Tatan villages of Varto district of Muş between 00:00 – 05:00 today, said the HPG.

HPG went on saying that Turkish forces have also been laying ambushes and deploying troops in the surroundings of Kıran village of Malazgirt district of Dersim in the last 4 days.

HPG finally reported that Turkish military forces deployed at Oremar military post in Yüksekova district of Hakkari carried out a bombardment with tanks and mortars which targeted the Şahir (Martyr) Bager area at the border of Avashin region between 10:00-11:00 this morning.

The statement added that HPG guerrillas opened warning fire in response to the bombardment.