The Turkish state launched an occupation operation against the region of Metina in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) on the night of 16 April.

In a statement on Monday, the Press Office of People’s Defense Forces (HPG) provided information about the latest developments on the ground.

The statement said: “The occupying Turkish army advanced from Girê Çarçel line towards Girê Şehîd Dilbirîn in its ongoing invasion operation. On 26 April, from 20:00 to 23:00, the Golka Resistance Area was bombed by attack helicopters. Then, Sikorsky helicopters airdropped troops on Girê Şehîd Ezda in Golka Resistance Area. Simultaneously, diggers were dispatched from the KDP-controlled Qedîşê village towards Golka Resistance Area. The occupying Turkish army, with the support of the KDP, aims to both settle in the area and advance on the war tunnels by deploying diggers and building roads. Currently, the occupying Turkish army forces are stationed on the hills of Şehîd Hesen, Şehîd Sorxwîn, Şehîd Ezda and Şehîd Dilbirîn in Golka Resistance Area. In this way, the invasion operation launched against the Metîna region on 16 April has expanded with the support of the KDP and entered a new phase.”

On the other hand, HPG reported that Iraqi forces took up positions in Girê Pîrbila, Neqeba Şabanîkê and Şeranîş areas in Heftanin region on 26 April. Simultaneously, the occupying Turkish army went into action in the areas of Şehîd Kendal and Keşan.

In the Şehîd Delîl West Zap region, guerrillas targeted the Turkish invaders in Girê Amediyê Resistance Area with heavy weapons on 27 April, and those in Girê Cûdî Resistance Area on 28 April.

Regarding the continued attacks of the Turkish army against guerrilla areas, HPG said that Turkish fighter jets carried out 12 strikes on 27 and 28 April, targeting the Berdesor area of Hecîumran region; Serê Metîna, Bêşîlî, Bazê, Dergelê, Şêlazê Resistance Area in Metîna region; the Gosînê area in Xakurkê region and Girê Bahar Resistance Area in Şehîd Delîl Western Zap region.

On 27 and 28 April, Serê Metîna, Şêlazê, Dergelê, Golka, Girê Çarçel Resistance Areas in Metîna region were bombed by attack helicopters.