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Turkey has been conducting operations against Kurdish fighters in Iraqi Kurdistan since 23 April, and since that time clashes have continued between the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) and the Turkish armed forces.
The PKK has been settled in the mountains of Qandil for decades and is highly experienced there. Despite Turkey’s use of high technology weapons and drones, reports from the region reveal that it has not yet made any advances in the area.
Appearing in a special programme on Sterk TV, YJA-Star (Free Women’s Units) Commander Zozan Çewlik spoke about the ongoing war in the region and the role of women guerillas in the war.
Commander Çewlik stated that Turkey was being blocked by the guerrillas. “Turkey is showing its barbarity and its nationalist, fascist, occupationist face. That it has been unable to break the will of the guerrillas for over two months reveals the extent to which it is blocked. Expertise in modern guerrilla warfare displays its military innovation in the fields of war today.” she said.
She noted that the women guerrillas are among the leading ranks in the fields of war today. “They are bearers of stance and determination. They are bearers of action and method. This is the spirit of Zilan. They stand up for the spirits of all those like Zilan,” she said.
“From the events of today – I don’t think what I’m going to say is wrong – YJA-Star guerrillas are goddesses of our time.”
She drew attention to a unified struggle among women, Kurds and youth: “Because of this everyone should move into action in this process wherever they are needed. People of action need to have attitude. They need to display a historic stance. They need to take the lead, not only in the unity of the Kurdish people, but also in the unity of women and the unity of the youth.”
Commander Çewlik drew particular attention to the clashes on Zendura Hill. “All attempts the Turkish state have made against Zendura Hill have been fruitless, they cannot take it,” she said.
“It is an open area. There is one unit of guerrillas there. Yes, it’s a strategic hill but it is an open area, a plateau. Our friends have dug themselves in there.”
