The People’s Defence Forces (HPG) have disclosed ongoing Turkish military actions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), revealing a significant escalation with 38 airstrikes conducted on guerrilla-held territories since Monday. The attacks, particularly intense in the Sîda area within the Zap mountainous region in KRI, have seen the Turkish army employing heavy machinery to dismantle guerrilla fortifications.
Guerrilla forces have mounted a close-range defence using hand grenades and firearms, successfully repelling two assaults and forcing the withdrawal of a shovel excavator on Friday. The HPG’s report further detailed an attack against Turkish forces in the Cudi Mountain (Girê Cûdî) area on 7 February, employing semi-automatic weapons.
The aerial bombardment has spanned several regions, with the Gare area witnessing 13 strikes targeting Dêreşê, Deşta Kafya, Sêdarê, Girê Zengil and Girê Sîser. The western Zap region’s Girê Bahar faced nine bombings, while Xakurke saw seven airstrikes on Sinînê and Ava Lolanê. Additionally, Şehîd Îbrahîm in Zap and Serê Metîna and Bêşîlî in Metîna were each struck four times. Qandil’s Girê Savaş area also experienced an airstrike. The HPG noted that attack helicopter operations took place on 7 and 8 February in the Geliyê Lolanê vicinity in Xakurke, marking a heightened phase in the conflict.