ROJEVÎN RÛBA

Makhmur- The Turkish state has been using chemical weapons in its attacks on the Kurdistan Region since April 17, 2022. It has been using mostly tactical nuclear weapons, small nuclear warheads and delivery systems intended for use to destroy tunnel systems and creates a toxic effect in a narrow area in addition to toxic gases. The People's Defense Forces (HPG) announced that 17 HPG and YJA STAR guerrillas lost their lives due to the chemical attacks on October 18. According to the HPG, about 80 guerrillas have lost their lives due to chemical attacks until now. The HPG also published footage showing that the Turkish soldiers used chemical weapons against the guerrillas. Since the footage was published, the Kurdish people have been holding protests in many countries.

NuJINHA spoke to Xantûr Kara, coordinating member of the İştar Assembly in Makhmur, about the use of chemical weapons in the Kurdistan Region.

“We greet the resistance of the guerrillas”

Stating her speech by condemning Turkey’s use of chemical weapons, Xantûr Kara said, “Today, a great resistance has been waged in the Kurdistan mountains. We condemn all attacks and the use of chemical weapons against the guerrillas in the 21st century. We greet the resistance of the guerrillas.”

Highlighting that the Turkish state has been defeated against this resistance, she said, “For this reason, it uses inhuman practices; it uses chemical weapons. The main reason why it uses chemical weapons is that it does not accept its defeat. The guerrillas have been waging a great resistance against the Turkish army, the second largest army in NATO. The fascist Turkish state uses chemical weapons against the guerrillas because it does not accept its defeat. Undoubtedly, the Turkish state uses chemical weapons with the support of states and NATO because they remain silent against the use of chemical weapons by Turkey. The HPG has already documented the use of chemical weapons by the Turkish state.”

“The use of chemical weapons has been documented”

Indicating that the footage published by the HPG has revealed the use of chemical weapons by Turkey, Xator Kara asked, “Why do human rights organizations remain silent?” She added, “Today, the political parties and human rights organizations look for evidence of the use of chemical weapons by Turkey. They try to reach the area where chemical weapons were used to find evidence and document the use of chemical weapons. The use of chemical weapons has been already documented. There is footage showing it. What kinds of evidence do they want?”

“Everyone should fulfill their responsibilities”

“History repeats itself,” she said, “The chemical weapons are used not only against Kurds but also against nature and all living creatures. Chemical weapons cause permanent damage to nature and people. We call on all human rights organizations to fulfill their responsibilities. Everyone should fulfill their responsibilities to stop the use of chemical weapons.”