Since the onset of Turkey’s renewed attacks in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), reportedly with US support, large parts of the Bahdinan (Badinan) region northeast of Mosul, particularly Sargale (Sergelê) and Sheladiz (Shiladize), have been targeted. As well as a determined resistance by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters, these assaults have triggered widespread protests from political parties, civil organisations and civilians.
A Turkish military Sikorsky helicopter was shot down by PKK forces in the KRI’s mountainous Zap region on 10 July, according to the People’s Defence Forces (HPG), the military wing of the PKK. In response, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) bombed the crash site, the Kurdish-led forces said, further claiming to have shot down two Turkish drones in previous days and destroyed various TAF positions in the Amedi (Amediyê) area. The area is heavily restricted, preventing media coverage of the incident.
Turkish Armed Forces have recently attempted to expand occupation of the Bahdinan region, particularly in Sargale and Sheladiz, justifying its actions by citing the presence of PKK fighters. Reports from Iraqi Kurdistan indicate that the Turkish Army is now focusing on occupying a greater area of Iraqi Kurdistan.
Turkey’s goal in Bahdinan is to divide the vast mountain area into three separate pockets, which they plan to occupy one at a time. The People’s Defence Forces (HPG), the military wing of the PKK, are fiercely resisting this move.
On another front, north and east of the nearby town of Amedi, Turkey is pushing further south into the Sargale village area and attempting to seize control of Bahar Hill, a mountain area east of Sargale. Here, Turkey is facing strong resistance from PKK forces. Simultaneously, Turkey is advancing further south to reach the Amedi – Sheladiz road. In the coming weeks, they are expected to surround the area.
According to reports from Iraqi Kurdistan, the Turkish Army’s movements in the Bahdinan region have encountered strong resistance from guerrilla forces. Local agencies reported that PKK fighters hit several trucks carrying logistics and ammunition to Turkish soldiers between Amedi and Sheladiz.
Behdinan Bölgesi’nde faaliyet yürüten yerel ajanslar işgalci Türk askerlerine lojistik ve cephane taşıyan birçok kamyonun Amediye ve Şeladizê arasın da gerillalar tarafından vurulduğunu belirtiyor. Paylaşılan görüntülerde vurulan kamyonların alev aldığı görülüyor! pic.twitter.com/FDsjkX7AiP
— Buldan keser (@bulda52982) July 9, 2024
In an interview with Sterk TV, HPG spokesman Serdar Yektaş highlighted the extensive occupation by the Turkish army in all parts of Kurdistan, and stated that the Kurds have ‘no other option but to win this battle’.
While protests against the occupation continue in the diaspora, political parties and civil organisations in the KRI are also raising their voices against the violation of Iraqi Kurdistan’s sovereignty.
In this regard, the Bahdinan regional representative of the Goran movement issued a statement condemning the ongoing Turkish military occupation, saying:
“We are deeply concerned about the Turkish government’s military attacks, but we are equally alarmed by the silence from the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq’s official institutions. Their silence implies acceptance of the destruction of peace and tranquility in the Bahdinan region.”
While protests against the occupation continue in the diaspora, political parties and civil organisations in the KRI are also raising their voices against the violation of Iraqi Kurdistan’s sovereignty.
In this regard, the Bahdinan regional representative of the Goran movement issued a statement condemning the ongoing Turkish military occupation, saying:
A recently published report states that the Turkish government has progressively asserted greater control over the region, particularly in the Bahdinan area, since 1991. During this time, Turkish Army operations targeting civilians have led to the deaths of 344 people, forced the evacuation of 162 villages, and the establishment of 71 Turkish military bases throughout Kurdistan.
