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KRG: 800 villages deserted due to Turkish-PKK war

Gulan Media September 22, 2021 News
KRG: 800 villages deserted due to Turkish-PKK war

More than 800 villages have been deserted and left without services due to fighting and clashes in border areas over the past three decades, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Dindar Zebari, the KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy, told the Rudaw media network that since the start of the fighting, the clashes and bombings on the borders of the Kurdistan Region have resulted in the displacement of civilians and the loss of lives and property. At the same time, no national or international party has taken the initiative to reach a conclusion to compensate those citizens whose property and homes have been destroyed, whose lands and homes have been damaged, and whose lives are in danger.

""The attacks have led to the displacement of people in these areas," said Zebari, adding that "between January and August 2021, 165 airstrikes, 274 artillery shells and six ground attacks were carried out. He also mentioned that "the districts of Penjwen, Charta, Old Hawara, Sulaimani, Sinjar, Eskablan, Shilani, Kalka Nasara, Kalka Islam, Kshani, Harouri, Kurzar, Dishish, Sakir, Aura, Bapiri, Harur, Khamtir, Kalha Shabani, Lifani, Diri, Hafshan, Bedouhi, Bunkesti in Duhok province have been targeted."

The KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy stated that villages bordering the Sidakan district of Erbil province have been bombarded by airstrikes and shelling. However, the artillery shelled villages near Batoufa, Kani Masi, and Darki districts in Duhok province in early September 2021.

"These attacks are threatening the lives of the citizens of the Kurdistan Region, damaging property, houses, land and the fields of farmers, destroying buildings and houses, and destroying forests," according to the Coordinator for International Advocacy of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

"Several villagers were displaced by the bombings and several civilians lost their lives and dozens more were killed." In addition, "more than 800 villages have been deserted and left without services due to clashes between the PKK and the Turkish army in the last three decades." Zebari added.

Zebari calls for an end to tensions in the border areas, saying, "we urge neighboring countries to take into account the plight of their citizens in the border areas who are now facing bombings and are forced to flee their homes."

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