The Turkish army is reportedly plundering forests in rural areas of Zakho (Zaxo) in Iraqi Kurdistan while thousands of trees cut due to the road construction are being transported to Turkey. The Turkish state is also reportedly responsible for the destruction of thousands of olive trees in Afrin in Syria as well as the transport of Afrin olive oil to Turkey where it is traded and exported to European countries and markets.
According to local sources, the Turkish army is destroying thousands of trees and engaged in deforestation in Iraqi Kurdistan due to the military roads it has built and due to its continuing occupation of Haftanin. It has been reported that sections of deforestation in the region have been carried out by Cafer Benek, who is collaborating with the Turkish army.
Reportedly, a road built for the purpose of military occupation goes towards Keşanê, and the road is scheduled to be extended along the Pisaxa Valley to Bileh village and from there to Kaniya Güz, Bişar Axa villages and then to Elaniş, Siyara Gewrik, Şeranişa Xristijan and Xantur.
Arab News Shafaq interviewed villagers of Keshani. Haşim Kuli, the head of the Batufa district, stated that the Turkish army had cut down many trees around their villages. Criticizing these actions, he stated that the trees that had been felled in the district were then sold locally as fuel-wood.