Iraq: War sheets of a month announced by Turkey and the HPG

In the Zap, Metina and Avashin regions, also known as the Medya Defence Zones of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Turkish armed forces continue to carry out operations targeting Kurdish fighters.

Since 23rd April, Turkish armed forces have attempted to land soldiers from helicopters and drop bombs from Turkish fighter jets and drones over dozens of areas to take control of the mountains, yet their attempts have reportedly failed due to the active response of the Kurdish fighters of the People’s Defence Forces (HPG) and Free Women’s Units (YJA-star).

Announcing on Tuesday the update in their cross-border operations Claw-Lightning and Claw-Thunderbolt, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence a total of 129 Kurdish fighters lost their lives since April 23rd.

On the other hand, the HPG on Tuesday also announced their one-month war sheet, reported ANF and shared information that 39 Kurdish fighters have lost their lives since April 23.

According to the HPG statement, 238 Turkish soldiers have lost their lives since April 23, but according to the Turkish ministry’s recent statement, 8 Turkish soldiers have lost their lives in northern Iraq.

“Kurdistan Freedom Guerilla have put forward an epic resistance and battle performance in this period of one month witnessed by the world. […] With the achieved level on battle performance and on becoming a new period’s guerilla, our forces have developed rich tactics and it is understood that the Turkish state would not achieve their anticipated goals. […] This war period of one month have revealed serious outcomes,” said the HPG.

The Turkish minister of national defence Hulusi Akar issued a press statement on May 20 in the Turkish parliament and stated that the Turkey’s campaign in northern Iraq has been continuing “as planned despite the harsh field and air conditions.” he said

“Our struggle complies with international law, respects human rights and gives no harm to the environment and innocent people,” he said.

However, there have been numerous reports of civillian injuries in the residential areas which have also been suffering from the shelling of the Turkish army.

Medya News has also previously reported claims of Turkey’s usage of poisonous gasses in northern Iraq and the alleged transfer of Free Syrian Army members from Libya to fight against Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq.