Footage, images and figures from the Turkish Army and the PKK clashes – MAP & VIDEO

Defence Redefined

05/05/2021

On May 4, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence released videos of airstrikes against PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) targets in northern Iraq, where the Turkish Air Force is involved in two “anti-terrorist” operations codenamed “Claw-Lightning” (Pençe-Yıldırım or Pençe-Şimşek).

Several videos show Turkish soldiers carrying the bodies of dead Kurdish fighters to one of the PKK hideouts in northern Iraq. According to Turkish media, the bodies of a total of 18 PKK members were found in a cave.

Another video of loot captured during the operation against the PKK in northern Iraq is circulating on the internet among Turkish accounts. Machine guns, mortars, RPG rockets and other ammunition were seized by the Turkish army. According to information, the shelter was destroyed. 

On the other hand, the Kurdish Press Office of the HPG (People’s Defence Forces, PKK military wing) released its own reports and the result of the armed clashes with the Turkish army between April 23rd and May 3rd in southern Kurdistan (i.e. northern Iraq).

In particular, according to the announcement of the HPG, the Turkish army launched a comprehensive attack on the night of April 23 against the areas of Metina, Avashin and Zap, the defensive zones of Medya. 

Also read: Turkey launches air strikes against PKK bases | VIDEO

However, the Kurds claim that the attack was repulsed by the HPG and YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) guerrillas, causing heavy casualties to the Turkish forces. 

In fact, according to the HPG announcement, the guerrilla groups launched attacks called “Cenga Xabur” and “Bazên Zagrosê” in order to lead the operation “Dem Dema Azadiyê Ye” (Time for Freedom) to victory. 

They also blamed Turkish forces for the use of chemical and poison gas as well as the barrage during the Turkish operation. The HPG claims that the Turkish army is not disclosing its casualties to the public and is evacuating its dead and wounded by dozens of helicopters every night. 

According to the announcement of the guerrillas, the following actions were conducted: 

– 8 Actions of Air Defence Forces 

– 2 coordinated and simultaneous guerrilla actions

– 3 penetration actions

– 9 bombings of Turkish army positions

– 11 heavy weapon activities (DShK, mortars and Katyusha)

– 12 sniper attacks 

– 33 sabotage actions

– 37 coordinated attacks

“A total of 116 guerrilla actions took place and six of our comrades fell as witnesses,” the HPG said. In fact, the HPG claims that its forces shot down 2 drones, 6 helicopters, bringing the death toll of Turkish soldiers to 147 without providing more information or footage to confirm these actions. 

As for the casualties of the Kurdish guerillas, according to the Turkish TRT, they amount to 68 dead. Turkey aims to control the strategic region at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level near its border with Iraq. Turkish forces tried to seize it last year, but failed.

INTERACTIVE MAP

The moves and positions of the Turkish army appear in red and the territories of South Kurdistan in yellow.

Also read: Iraq | The casualties in the clash between Turkish army and PKK fighters – VIDEO