Civilian deaths in sieges imposed by the security forces

The first of these sieges, described as “curfews,” was imposed in Varto, starting on 16 August. There are sieges still in course in Cizre, Silopi and Sur districts. “Curfews” have been declared 56 times in 20 districts of 7 cities and so far these “curfews” have totaled 271 days.  In some districts where curfews have been officially lifted, there is still a de facto siege. The most recent situation in 3 districts is as follows:

In Cizre where a curfew has been declared 5 times so far, the last curfew was declared on 14.12.2015. 29 people lost their lives in the course of 22 days of siege. In Cizre, 62 people have been killed since July 2015.

In Silopi, where a curfew has been declared 2 times so far, the last curfew was declared on 14.12.2015. 20 people lost their lives during 22 days of siege. 34 people have lost their lives since July 2015.

In Sur, where a curfew has been declared 6 times so far, the last curfew was declared on 02.12.2015. 14 people lost their lives in the course of 33 days of siege. 19 people have been killed since July 2015 in Sur. Despite claims that the curfew was lifted in Gazi Street on 30.12.2015, a de facto siege is continuing.

In addition to these 3 districts, 144 people lost their lives in 17 other sieges.

CURRENT SITUATION IN CIZRE, SILOPI AND SUR DISTRICTS (updated on 04.01.2016)

CIZRE

An intense attack occurred today again in Cudi and Nur neighborhoods. Many of houses were destroyed in attacks with tanks, grenade launchers and heavy weapons which are intended to depopulate neighborhoods and force people to migrate. Citizens whose houses were destroyed have migrated to safer areas.

In Şah neighborhood, three mortar bullets hit a house. While serious damage has occurred to the house, the inhabitants survived by chance.

Kazım Tong who was seriously wounded after being shot by Special Forces on December 30, died in hospital in Batman.

SILOPI

Süleyman Ezer, the husband of Zübeyde Ezer, who had been hit by  a mortar shell in Silopi, has stated that the state forces imposed him to sign a paper stating “ My wife was shot by the PKK.”  He also said that state forces threatened him by saying that if he did not sign the paper, his wife would be killed. 

Nuh, Cudi, Barbaros and Zap neighborhoods have been almost entirely evacuated due to intense pressure and bombardments by the security forces.

DİYARBAKIR/SUR

Families of İsa Oran, Ramazan Öğüt and Mesut Siviktekin who lost their lives in Sur and whose bodies have not been delivered to their families for 13 days, began a hunger strike three days ago at the Human Rights Association (İHD).