Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) released a statement regarding the Turkish airstrikes on Shengal (Sinjar-Iraq/Kurdistan) and Dêrik (Karaçokê-Rojava/Kurdistan).

The statement by KNK is as follows:

“According to the latest information, 26 Turkish warplanes attacked Amûd and Geliyê Kersê of Shengal/Sinjar. The bombardment is still going on. It has been learned that prior to the aerial operation, communication networks had been completely cut in Dêrik and its surrounding areas.

Many civilian Kurds and Kurdish fighters killed and wounded

Last night, Turkish warplanes bombed Dengê Rojava Radio and ÇIRA-FM and also YPG headquarter in Karaçokê of Dêrik city. In relation to the attack, YPG general commander released a statement in which it called upon the Rojavan people to stand up for themselves. YPG statement declared; “On Tuesday 25 April, at 02:00 o’clock, Turkish warplanes launched an intensive air attack on YPG headquarter in Karaçokê in the vicinity of Dêrik. The press and publication centre, the radio, the communication centre and a number of military organisations are located in Karaçokê. As a result of this brutal attack, a number of our fighters lost their lives while some others got wounded. Their identity will be announced later”.

“As the YPG”, the statement continued, “we reiterate that such a coward attack will not affect our will and determination for freedom against terror. Also, we call upon the Rojavian people with all its diversities to align themselves with their legitimate defence forces, reinforcing them in the face of such offensive”.

Coalition forces should not be silent

PYD’s co-president announced that such air attacks are carried out in order to provide support to the ISIS. Owing to this, he continued, the coalition forces should clarify their stance. He also added; “They [Turkish warplanes] attack a society that is fighting against terrorism. The coalition forces should not remain silent against this. Nobody should accept this attack.”

Turkey wants to neutralise Raqqa Operation

The Syrian Democratic Assembly (MSD) affirmed in a statement that such attack would only serve to strengthen their determination against terror.

The MSD’s statement reads as follow: While the Raqqa operation is underway and our forces are gaining upper hand against the ISIS, Turkish warplanes are bombing our headquarters in Karaçokê and Shengal areas. These attacks show that the Turkish state wants to neutralise Raqqa Operation in order to give a breathing space to the ISIS.”