01 September 2010
Turkish special forces are operating in the border region with Iraq.
Turkish state has speeded up constructing new military outposts on the Iraqi border, although Kurdistan Democratic Confederation (KCK) declared a unilateral ceasefire on 13 August.
It is also reported that while the Turkish army deploys special forces on the border area, in Gedik Tepe region ‘private army’ composed of professional soldiers started operating. Gedik Tepe is a mountainous region on the border where the Turkish army has lost a significant number of soldiers as a result of a guerrilla ambushes took place before the ceasefire.
Despite the ceasefire of KCK Turkish army is deploying more soldiers on the border where it is building new outposts rather than responding the ceasefire. After the guerrilla ambush of 19 June on Gediktepe region of Semdinli district of Hakkari ‘special army’ composed of private soldiers were deployed in Gediktepe. The outpost is also reported to be equipped with tanks.
It is also reported that specials forces from Bolu and Kayseri Mountain Brigades who are notorious for mass human rights violations against the Kurdish villagers of 1990’s are re-placed in the area. Speaking to ANF a guerrilla commander said “The Turkish army has been using special forces and private soldiers against us for years. However, the issue became popular in the press after the guerrilla ambush on Gediktepe in which Turkish army suffered serious losses. The army is trying to cover up its defeat with such attempts.”
Villagers are worried
The military activities and new outpost constructions of the Turkish amry in the region are also worrying the local population. The villagers stated that because of the military check points between villages and the long searches the life became unbearable for them. They also complain about the mistreatment they are subjected to at the check points as well as on their own property.
ANF NEWS DESK /
ANF NEWS AGENCY
