Turkey talks peace but targets Kurdish civilians and vital infrastructure

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks by the Turkish state on civilians and infrastructure in northeastern Syria and Southern Kurdistan in northern Iraq, which have resulted in the tragic loss of at least twelve lives and scores of injuries. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, including Qamishlo, where a railway station and a health center were targeted, and the villages around Dêrik, is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life.

The targeted destruction of essential infrastructure, including a fuel distribution center in Dêrik and an electricity facility in Amûde, exacerbates the suffering of the civilian population and constitutes a war crime. Such actions not only disrupt vital services, but also contribute to a humanitarian crisis in the region, leaving communities without access to electricity, water, and essential resources.

Turkey continues to commit crimes of war and against humanity. The silence of the international community and institutions must end and they must hold the Turkish state accountable for its actions and force it to stop its crimes against the Kurds.

Yesterday October 23, Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan met with his nephew, People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) Urfa (Riha) MP Ömer Öcalan, after 43 months of total isolation, In the meeting he said: “The isolation continues. If the conditions are created, I have the theoretical and practical power to change this phase from the basis of conflict and violence to a legal and political basis”.

Therefore, the isolation must be lifted and Abdullah Öcalan needs to be released under conditions that allow him to play his role in a political and just solution of the Kurdish question.

Commission on Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK)

24 October 2024