Contrasting Statements From TSK and PKK on Mortar Exchange

Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and HSM, a military wing of Kurdish PKK, released contrasting statements regarding the mortar exchange in the mountainous region of Dağlıca, saying each that they responded to the other party who “allegedly fired first”.  

The incident took place on March 25 around 1pm local time when eyewitnesses heard mortar firings from both sides of the border. According to Yüksekovahaber news website, the villagers said the gunfires and mortar exchange continued until 3:30pm at the same day. 

Briefly after the incident, TSK released a statement, saying that PKK forces fired 3 mortars towards its headquarters. 

“TSK responded the firing accordingly,” the statement said. 

HSM, on the other hand, denied TSK’s statement, saying that they have not violated the ceasefire and responded to their aggression. 

According to Fırat News Agency (ANF), HSM fulfilled the requirements of ceasefire according to the “democratic resolution strategy”: “…a heavy bombardment has been made with tanks, mortars and A-4 heavy machine guns on our forces…While these attacks supported by explorer jet planes aimed to reach their target, warrior jets also flew from low attitude…”

Underlining that TSK’s “false” statement disrespected the public opinion in Turkey, HSM also reiterated its right for defense and retaliation in case of any aggression. (EA/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.