ŞIRNEX — Kamaran Osman, CPT’s Iraq representative, warned that Turkey is preparing for a new war in the Zap and Avaşîn regions of the Kurdistan Region, building new military bases while continuing large-scale deforestation, even during on-going peace talks. 

 

The destruction of forests in Şirnex (Şırnak) and other parts of Kurdistan has now extended into the Federated Kurdistan Region. According to CPT, trees are being cut under the supervision of Turkish soldiers and local guards, transported by tractors from mountainous areas to border towns, and sold elsewhere. 

 

The Community Peacemakers Team (CPT), which monitors violations in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, reported that since September 2025, Turkish personnel have carried out systematic logging in Zap and Avaşîn under military oversight. 

 

DAILY DESTRUCTION: 95 TRACTORS OF TREES

 

Osman described the scale of the deforestation: “Since September, Turkey has been cutting trees in Zap and Avaşîn. At least 95 tractor loads are cut and transported daily. Monumental trees are taken behind Metîna mountain and moved to Turkey. Some of the wood is made into furniture and sold back in the Kurdistan Region, while some is sent to cities like Van and Şırnak for use in military bases. Soldiers provide security for these operations, and most loggers come from Turkey.”

 

POLITICAL SILENCE

 

Osman criticized Kurdistan Democrat Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) for remaining silent about the deforestation: “Political parties here only care about elections. They have made no statements about these cuttings. For them, the colour of the election matters, not Kurdistan’s green lands. International organizations must react. Kurdistan’s forests belong to all humanity, not just this region. Iraq must defend its lands and respond to these violations.”

 

TURKEY PREPARING FOR WAR

 

Highlighting Turkey’s new military activity, Osman stated: “While the Peace and Democratic Society Process, initiated by Abdullah Öcalan, continues, Turkey is building new bases in Metîna. The PKK has ceased armed struggle, yet Turkey is cutting trees and building new roads and bases. Their goal is to control Garê mountain, and from there extend control over Mosul and Başika. Neo-Ottoman ambitions continue. They claim to seek peace but are investing in war. Every day, warplanes fly over Kurdistan. If there is to be peace, these actions must stop: stop cutting trees and stop constructing new outposts.”

 

MA / Emrullah Acar