Qaraylan calls on Iraq to immediately end pressure and attacks on Makhmur camp

A leader of the People's Defense Forces (HPG), Murat Qaraylan, spoke to Stêrk TV on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the August 15th uprising. The first part of his interview focused on the pressure, siege, and attempts by the Iraqi army to encircle the Martyr Rustam Judi Camp (Makhmur Camp).

Murat Qaraylan strongly condemned what he described as the "hostile practices" of the Iraqi government, noting that the people of Makhmur had resisted an attack by ISIS mercenaries in 2014, when the Iraqi state was not present there. He added, "They want to subjugate those who defended the camp against ISIS through pressure and siege. These are a noble people, proud of their dignity, who sacrificed for their cause and refused to submit to any force. They were forced to leave their homes and are now refugees. Is it appropriate for the Iraqi state to treat them this way?"

He pointed out that Iraqi authorities are imposing strict restrictions, including preventing patients from accessing hospitals without their permission, preventing the entry of basic necessities, and attempting to turn the camp into a military installation. He stressed that these actions are "humiliating and unjustified."

Murat Qaraylan warned that "the continuation of the military approach toward the camp will push the gêrîlas to intervene," saying, "We have withdrawn from the area and handed over our positions to the Iraqi army, but they are imposing a harsher siege on our people. This hostile approach toward the residents of Makhmur means it is being pursued against us, and we will never accept that."

He stated that the Makhmur camp has existed for 30 years, and its residents will continue to live there in the same way. He pointed out that anyone who seeks to subjugate this camp must know how the people of Makhmur have protected themselves from the beginning, and through this defense, they have protected Erbil and its surroundings. He continued, saying, "These people have built a society and a dignified life, and they have a history of struggle. Today, there are those who want to subjugate them and turn the camp into a detention camp. The Iraqi state must stop these inhumane and immoral practices."

He made a special appeal to the President of the Republic of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, to assume his responsibilities, saying, "In a country headed by a Kurdish president, Kurds, especially those with a history of struggle, are subjected to grave injustice. He must intervene to end this siege and prevent the imposition of foreign powers on the camp

He also called on expatriates in Europe and all patriots and believers in democracy to raise their voices against the injustice being inflicted on the camp's residents.

Murat Qaraylan concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the people of Makhmour will not surrender and will transform the camp into a "fortress of resistance." He pointed out that attempts to subjugate it are being carried out by external parties, and that the residents' struggle will continue until victory is achieved.

Sh-S

ANHA