Forest fires have erupted in Mount Cudi, near the town of Silopi in Turkey’s Şırnak (Şirnex) province. Locals claim there has been no attempt to extinguish the fires.
Devastating forest fires in the Cudi, Gabar, Bagok and Besta regions of Şırnak have been ongoing for more than three months. At least 40 forest fires have been reported in the region since July. The fires are caused by military operations, say locals. The latest forest fire was reported on 14 September.
Villagers from Bêsûke tried to extinguish the fire but were stopped by the Görmeç Battalion. It has been reported that a Turkish commander said: “These fires will continue as long as the Görmeç Battalion is here because of regular cannon fire” – which would amount to a confession that the fires are caused by the Turkish army’s military operations.
Thousands of trees and extensive wildlife habitats have been destroyed in the region. People who live in the area have criticised the general public for being silent about these fires in the Kurdistan Mountains.
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