SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — Turkey has launched a new offensive in the Kurdistan Region, displacing villagers and causing significant destruction. The operation, which began on June 15th, saw Turkish troops advancing 15 kilometers into the Barwary Bala area in Duhok province and setting up new military bases, according to a recent report by the Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT).
This escalation has led to the displacement of residents. By June 25th, a Turkish checkpoint was established between Kani Bilave and Babire villages in Duhok province’s border areas. The following day, construction began on seven military bases in nearby villages, with villagers from Dergale Musa Bage forced to leave on June 27th.
The CPT reports that Turkey has conducted 238 bombardments since the operation began, primarily targeting the Duhok province. These attacks have devastated over 20,000 dunams of agricultural land in several villages, with Sargale village losing about 55% of its farmland.
On July 4th, Turkish forces with 45 armored vehicles reached Sargale, leading to intensified clashes with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and further displacing villagers. CPT states that it has documented the growing fear among civilians as the conflict escalates.
The report also states that from January to July 2024, Turkey has launched 1,076 attacks in the Kurdistan Region, with the majority hitting Duhok and Erbil provinces. The Turkish military’s use of fighter jets has been particularly destructive, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
The humanitarian impact has been severe. Eight civilians have been killed this year, and infrastructure such as a school in Mizhe village and a monastery in Miska village has been destroyed in Duhok’s Amedi district. Recent bombings on July 4th and 5th damaged homes and vehicles in Guharze village.
CPT expressed deep concern over the continuing operations, warning that hundreds of families could be displaced if the violence persists.
The village chieftains have previously talked to Zoom News regarding the escalating conflict that poses a serious threat to the safety and livelihoods of civilians in the Kurdistan Region.
