In November 2015, Turkish security sorces launched the siege of Silvan^[1] - an operation and a curfew in the city of Silvan directed against the PKK-affiliated group YDG-H.^[2] The curfew began on 3 November 2015 and lifted on 14 November.^[1]

Background

On 2 October 2015, the Turkish military raided Silvan with the support of artillery.^[3] The YDG-H dug trenches and justified their resistance to the Turkish government with the atrocities the Kurdish people had suffered under the rule of the Turkish government, which still refuses to acknowledge certain rights of the Kurds.^[2]

Curfew

The curfew began on the 3 November 2015 and lasted until 14 November.^[1] During that time, the military and police forces conducted anti-terror operations in the three neighborhoods of Konak, Mescit and Tekel.^[1] The Turkish military deployed helicopters and tanks against the town, and locals complained that its 90,000 residents were low on food, water and electricity.^[2]

Casualties

At least seven people had been killed in the siege as of 11 November 2015, including two civilians and a policeman.^[2] Silvan's mayor, Kerem Canpolaten, mentioned that 11,000 inhabitants of the town had left due to the fighting.^[4]

See also

• Kurdistan
• Kurds in Turkey
• Kurdish people

References