Turkish bombardments displace Shingal IDPs for second time

ZAKHO, Kurdistan Region — Yazidis displaced from Shingal in 2014 have now been forced to flee IDP camps in Zakho due to nearby Turkish bombardments. 

More than 3,000 people have had to leave Bersive 1, Bersive 2 and Derkar camps due to Turkish operations in the area, according to Khalat Osman, the municipal manager of Zakho's camps.

"War happens every day, with constant airstrikes. We're very scared. Each of us has struggled with mental health issues at some point," said Amira Ilyas, who lives in Bersive 1 camp. 

Families have left the camps for Shingal and villages in Zakho. 

When we fled ISIS [the Islamic state] we came here and started planting tomatoes on the Turkish border. Airstrikes take place every day. They use RPGs and mortars to attack this area. No one dares come here," said Murad Khidr, who is now living in Karne village. 

"My family moved here today. We heard jets and machine guns, and our families were terrified. That's why people leave the camps," Hassan Naamat said from the village. 

Turkey launched renewed operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Duhok province in April. Several civilians have been injured and numerous villages emptied due to the offensive.

Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed