In a statement providing information about the ongoing war in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq), the Press Centre of the People's Defence Forces (HPG) reported that the Turkish army, which is stuck in Zap, is trying to extend its occupation operation, which has been ongoing in the region since July, to Metîna.

According to the HPG statement on Monday, the Turkish army has carried out intensive air and ground attacks since Saturday on the western front of Şehîd Delîl and parts of Metîna with the aim of expanding the area of occupation operation along the Girê Amêdî line. In parallel, troops have been airdropped in various areas and clashes have occurred between the guerrilla forces and the Turkish troops. While the clashes are continuing, it is obvious that the occupation army is taking this route in order to overcome the blockade it is experiencing in Zap, said the HPG.

HPG stated that the Turkish army had handed over its positions to the forces of the KDP, the ruling party in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, during its forced withdrawal from the upper areas in Amadiya city last night. “The invading army airdropped troops on 9-10 September night in these positions and nearby locations. There are KDP forces at all points where the Turkish state has positioned its troops. They have been deployed side by side. Our patriotic people and the public should know that the freedom guerrillas of Kurdistan will react fiercely to this attack by the Turkish army and expand their resistance to the occupation,” said the statement.

Regarding the latest actions of the guerrillas against invading Turkish forces on the western Zap front, HPG stated that the guerrillas carried out a total of eight actions with medium-weight weapons and artillery on Sunday, targeting the Turkish positions in the Girê Cûdî Resistance Area on 10-11 September. The strikes by the guerrillas left eight positions of the Turkish forces damaged. In addition, guerrillas of YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) intervened five times against attack helicopters bombing the Girê Amediyê Resistance Area. On the other hand, a Turkish soldier was shot dead by a guerrilla sniper at Girê Amediyê Resistance Area this morning and his body remains in the hands of the guerrillas.

In the region of Zap, YJA Star guerrillas targeted the occupation forces at Kokerê Resistance Area on 8 September.

HPG also reported continued attacks by the Turkish army. Accordingly, Turkish fighter jets carried out six air strikes on 10 September against the resistance area Girê Amêdî in the western Zap region. Another air strike targeted Girê Bahar. In addition, Girê Cûdî, Girê Amêdî and Metina were bombed by attack helicopters. Artillery attacks by ground troops hit various areas in Zap, Metîna and Xakurke.