Battles in Northern Iraq
Featured image: the river Zab in Northern Iraq; source: wikipedia
It was reported by different media, that fierce battles took place in the PKK strongholds in Northern Iraq between the PKK-led HPG and the Turkish army in the last weeks.
ANF reports that an Operation against the invading troops of the old Turkish state in the Zap Region was carried out on 12th of January, in which at least 61 Turkish soldiers were killed, 4 wounded and dozens of weapons and military equipment confiscated. The Zap region is part of the HPG’s “Medya Defense Zones” in Northern Iraq.
The HPG stated that in the “Şehîd Delîl West Zap region” on January 12 at 17:10, the Operation was carried out in the “Girê Amediyê Resistance Area”. First of all, all mines, military techniques and wires laid were deactivated. The operation started with an attack and infiltration tactics so the initiative was on the HPG’s side. All Turkish troops in the “Girê Amediyê Resistance Area” were targeted simultaneously. Other places were also effectively hit with heavy, medium automatic and other weapons. Crates of grenades, grenade launchers and other ammunition was confiscated and directly used against the Turkish troops. Two combatants of the HPG fell.
According to the HPG fire was set to and destroyed six living spaces, three containers, eleven positions, two logistic places, one ammunition place, one communication system, one radar system, and other weaponry and equipment. Seven MPT-55 plus ammunition, five grenade launchers, two medium automatic rifles plus ammunition, thermal and night binoculars and other equipment was seized.
On 13th of January at 13:10 there was another attack in the “Girê Amediyê Resistance Area”, in which one Turkish soldier was killed and one of the Turkish army’s position destroyed. The same day at 12:00, there was an offensive in Şehîd Îbrahîm Resistance Area with heavy weapons against one position of the Turkish army.
Earlier, on January 11, eleven Turkish soldiers were killed in an attack on Girê Cûdî, western Zap region. According to reports the attack was carried out using a combination of infiltration-ambush-sniper tactics and hand grenades were also used. Four positions, three surveillance cameras and a radar system were destroyed, and two containers were damaged.
The same day, in the Xakurke region, an offensive on Girê Şehîd Kamûran was conducted. First with heavy weapons and 15 minutes later with a coordinated action of close range actions and sniper tactics. Two Turkish soldiers were killed and two positions were damaged.
In the same period the old Turkish army bombarded Northern Iraq in around 40 airstrikes. Zap, Şehîd Delîl Western Zap, Metîna and Xakurkê regions were also bombarded with artillery constantly.
