Turkish airstrikes empty villages in Kani Masi

KANI MASI, Kurdistan Region — Villages in the Duhok subdistrict of Kani Masi have been emptied of their inhabitants over fear of Turkish airstrikes in the area. 

"All of our mountains surrounding Kani Masi are being bombarded...when we go to our farmlands, we are really scared," said villager Faraidoon Sheba. 

The area has been targeted in several attacks, with locals left "terrified" after a strike in  the village of Dargale Musa Bag on May 18.

On June 15, Turkey launched renewed airstrikes on various positions across the Kurdistan Region and disputed territories, which Ankara says belong to the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).  At least five civilians have been killed in the offensive. 

Kani Masi mayor Sarbast Sabri told Rudaw that of 76 villages in the subdistrict,  six were emptied last year.

One villager fled Baghdad for Kani Masi, and is now left wondering where else they can go.

"Where to flee now? Airstrikes occur every day. We have no life," Nawfal Abunuel told Rudaw. 

Reporting by Naif Ramazan