Turkish Military Strikes Intensify Two Months into Ceasefire

It has been over two months since the imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called for peace and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) declared a unilateral ceasefire. Yet, Turkish military activity has surged. In April, bombardments and attacks by the Turkish Armed Forces increased by 78% compared to the previous month—reaching levels similar to those seen prior to the ceasefire. Since April 1st, at least 210 bombardments and helicopter assaults have been recorded across Iraqi Kurdistan. These include 42 airstrikes, 153 artillery shellings, 14 helicopter attacks, and one incident of small arms fire that damaged a civilian home. In total, 3 civilian houses have been destroyed and 2 have been damaged by Turkish military operations.

This intensification of military actions marks a return to the levels of bombardments and attacks seen prior to the ceasefire. The escalation has been heavily concentrated in the Amedi district, which alone accounted for 92% of all recorded bombardments and attacks in April. Notably, the highest number of strikes recorded in a single day this year—53—occurred near villages by Gara Mountain in the Amedi district.