Residents of Van (Wan), a Kurdish-majority eastern province of Turkey, accuse the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) of collaborating with Turkey in bombing Iraqi Kurdistan, forcing villagers to flee and damaging the environment. Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency on Monday, Van locals expressed outrage over the partnership between Turkey and the KDP, which they claim is driven by the Barzani family’s personal interests.
Ahmet Mete, 70, criticised the KDP’s cooperation in the attacks, stating, “KDP is in betrayal. It will be remembered with shame in Kurdish history.” Celal Bartu, 57, echoed this sentiment, asserting, “KDP has always betrayed the Kurds. Today, we are witnessing yet another betrayal.”
Ali Köklü, 64, highlighted the detrimental impact on Kurdish unity, explaining, “KDP is not a party fighting for Kurdish rights. It is bombing Kurdistan with Turkey, damaging nature and undermining Kurdish gains.” He added that the KDP’s actions hinder the formation of Kurdish national unity.
The bombings have forced many villagers, particularly in the rural areas of Duhok’s Amêdiyê district, to abandon their homes. Ali Köklü noted that KDP’s sole aim is to protect its family’s financial interests. He warned that if the KDP continues on this path, it will be remembered as traitors in Kurdish memory.
Mehmet Şiyar, 65, criticised the KDP’s motives, stating, “The KDP’s goal is not Kurdish freedom. The Barzani family is using Southern [Iraqi] Kurdistan’s resources for personal gain. If the KDP continues like this, it will bring about its own downfall.”
İhsan Gezer, 50, urged the KDP to change its course, warning, “If the KDP continues this way, it will lose its value in the eyes of the Kurds. We want the KDP to stand with those fighting for Kurdistan today.”
Mustafa Adıyaman, 71, condemned the KDP’s collaboration with Turkey, stating, “Turkey is trying to occupy Southern Kurdistan with KDP support. The biggest response to the KDP will come from the Kurdish people. The KDP is living its last days, and Kurds must oppose its actions.”
The ongoing Turkish bombings, aided by the KDP, have not only displaced villagers but also caused significant environmental damage. Fires ignited by airstrikes have ravaged vineyards and orchards, with many residents trapped in their homes.
