The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) has expressed its strong condemnation of the recent heavy weapon attacks launched by the Turkish state against North and East Syria.
In a recent statement, the KCK stated, “We strongly condemn the attacks carried out by the Turkish state on our region.” These attacks, which began on 7 June 2023, have resulted in civilian casualties and the loss of fighters’ lives.
The KCK’s statement draws attention to what it describes as the Turkish state’s “anti-Kurdish and anti-democratic mentality and politics.” According to the KCK, the Turkish government’s primary objective is to “carry out a genocide against the Kurds and eradicate everything Kurdish.” The statement emphasises that the attacks on Rojava and Syria are part of this policy. The KCK further asserts that the Turkish state aims to destroy the democratic system established in Rojava and North and East Syria, viewing the Kurdish people’s self-determination as a pretext for war, occupation, and potential genocide.
Regarding the Turkish-controlled regions of Afrin (Efrîn), Tell Abyad (Girê Sipî), and Ras al-Ayn (Serêkaniyê), the KCK argues that these actions exemplify the Turkish state’s intention not only to seize control of these areas but also to implement a project aimed at altering the demographic structure and displacing Kurds from their homes. The KCK warns that the Turkish state seeks to expand this policy by occupying wider areas in Rojava and other parts of North and East Syria, ultimately seeking to empty Rojava of its Kurdish population.
The Turkish state’s actions constitute what the KCK describe as a “genocide,” which they consider “the greatest crime against humanity.” The statement emphasises their belief that the Turkish state’s true intentions and purposes extend beyond its stated goals.
These recent developments occur in the context of intensified cross-border operations by Turkey, targeting Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria. The Kurdish guerrillas have ended their self-imposed ceasefire, which had lasted for over four months and covered the election period, citing the escalation of Turkish aggression.
Turkey’s military operations in the Zap, Avaşîn, and Metîna regions of northern Iraq have also escalated, with numerous airstrikes and heavy weapon bombardments reported. Kurdish forces have responded to Turkish attacks, resulting in clashes and casualties on both sides.
The termination of the self-imposed ceasefire by the KCK comes in response to the escalating attacks by Turkey and the worsening isolation of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), who has been detained in İmralı Island Prison for over two decades and held in total isolation for over 27 months.
Given the relentless assaults by the Turkish government and the perceived lack of support from the opposition, the KCK believes that active resistance has become unavoidable. They call upon the Kurdish people, revolutionary democratic forces, and others concerned to intensify their struggle against the “fascist AKP-MHP government.”