Turkish Aircraft Support Army Attack In Northern Kurdistan

June 14, 2005

The Turkish army operation launched outside Diyarbakir on June 10 is continuing. It is reported that warplanes and helicopters are bombing areas outside the Districts of Genc, Kulp and Lice, reported Roj Tv in Turkish language last Monday.

The Turkish media reports that the bombing has been going on non-stop since yesterday. Cobra helicopters and warplanes taking off from Diyarbakir 2nd Tactic  Air Force Command are being used for the bombing.

The bombing is being heard from Lice District and rising smoke can be observed from the villages in the area from time to time.

Meanwhile, a military convoy of 30 vehicles, carrying soldiers and ammunition has left for Siirt's Pervari District.

Also, on 12 June, an army operation supported by military helicopters was launched in the mountainous region of Dersim's Hozat, Cemisgezek, and Pertek Districts.

The HPG [People's Defence Force] Press Liaison Centre announced that three soldiers were killed in a clash in Serafettin region in Bingol on 9 June.

Meanwhile, an organization called the Freedom Hawks of Kurdistan, TAK, has claimed responsibility for the attack last night on the Soil Products Office at the Mersin Port pier.

According to the Mesopotamia News Agency, TAK called the news agency saying it had carried out the attack in order to draw attention to the Turkish army operations.

The fire caused by the attack went on for two hours at the Soil Products Office and reportedly caused great material damage.