Since the 23rd of April, there have been ongoing clashes between the Turkish Armed Forces and Kurdish fighters in the Avashin, Zap and Metina regions of Qandil Mountains, known as the Medya Defence Zones.
Despite the Kurdistan Workers Party’s (PKK) constant warnings to the KDP regarding avoiding a conflict between Kurds, the KDP has not responded positively to these calls and instead has remained silent about Turkey’s continuing attacks.
Then, on the 5th of June, KDP forces were observed and filmed transporting military shipments to the Medya Defense Zones.
Later it was also reported by some media outlets that while KDP armed vehicles were travelling, an large explosion occurred and 5 peshmerga lost their lives with 2 peshmerga were injured.
Immediately after the blast it was reported in some KDP media that an airstrike had occured against the KDP military convoy.
After a short period of time this news was changed to blame the PKK.
The KDP press and KDP politicians then announced that the explosion was a PKK attack and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (also KDP) officially condemned it.
However, HPG vehemently denied that the attack came from their side. HPG issued a statement regarding the explosion
It was emphasised in the HPG’s statement that there were no villages or settlements in and around the area where the explosion occurred and even that no peshmerga had been visiting that area for 25 years. HPG stated that the areas are normally controlled by the HPG forces and that the deployment of the KDP peshmergas to the region is to put pressure against the HPG.
“KDP’s deployments are an act of support for Turkey’s offensive against the Medya Defence Zones.” it said.
“Despite knowing all this information and also the warning shots, there were losses as a result of this explosion. How did those explosions happen could not be determined either. This is an undesirable and regrettable outcome. However, the responsibility of this event does not belong to us, but to those who sent these forces there.” The HPG said.
It also warned the KDP about the possible outcomes of its actions.
“This attitude which was developed by the KDP at this important time in history is a very dangerous one that could lead to a deep conflict between Kurdish forces. Such a thing would mean a great harm to all Kurds and the Kurdistan national cause. We do not want a horrendous conflict between the Kurds to start again. Our only wish is to resist and fight against the Turkish state, the ancient enemy of our people. We would like to state that we are determined to fight to the end in this war and that we want to defeat the Turkish state.”
