2 people were killed and 3 people were injured in an air strike by Turkish warplanes on the vicinity of Old Bazaar in the center of Shengal on 16 August. On the same day, a few hours after the attack, 8 people, including 4 healthcare workers, were killed and 4  were injured in an air strike on a hospital in the village of Sikêniyê in Shengal. Yazidi women, who came to the scene right after the attacks, protested the attack by throwing stones at the Iraqi soldiers.

 

Participating the resistance in Shengal at the forefront, Şemê Remo have become an important figure of the resistance in Shengal. Şemê Remo spoke to Mesopotamia Agency (MA) about the resistance in Shengal.

 

IRAQ CO-OPERATED WITH TURKEY

 

Şemê Remo, who set an example for Yazidi women with her struggle, resistance and upright stance, said that the TAF's attacks against Yazidis were the result of hostility against the Kurds. Stating that the attack was carried out during the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kazimî to Shengal, Şemê Remo said, "Mustafa Kazimî was in contact with Shengal. Iraq and the United States had a hand in the murder of Mam Zeki (Zeki Şengali). The attack took place in the week of Mam Zeki's martyrdom and Seid Hesen, one of the YBŞ commanders, and his nephew were killed. Iraqi Prime Minister Kazimi was in contact with Seîd Hesen, in his last phone call with him, he had a meeting with him in the village of Koço and stated that they would make an alliance. But they lied. Seid Hesen was killed on the day. Iraq co-operated with Turkey in this attack. 

 

THIS IS A SHAME FOR IRAQ

 

Stating that there were Yazidi children in the hospital that was attacked, Shemê Remo said, "The children protecting the honor and dignity of Iraq were in that hospital. These Yazidi children were massacred under the Iraqi flag and within its borders. It is a shame for Iraq."

 

'WE WILL NOT ALLOW'

 

Stating that the Yazidi community is figting back with all their power against the attacks, Şemê Remo said: "They can not finish us if they killed us a thousand times. We will resist and fight to the end against the attacks of the enemy. We will not give the lands we liberated with the blood of our martyred children to the cowards. We will resist until a single drop of blood remains on our bodies. We will not give the blood of our children to these bloodsuckers and those who have been sold. When did the Federal Kurdistan Region Government, Iraq, Russia, America and international forces raise their voices against these attacks? The bodies of Yazidi children have been missing in mass graves for 8 years. When did these forces demanded the bodies to be exhumed and returned to their families? Yazidis are being held captive in Hol Camp. Who thought about them and what they were doing so far? Or who made an effort to save these people? We are citizens of Iraq, we want our rights. But they should know very well that we will not allow the enemy to enter our lands, even if there is only one Yazidi woman left alive. We will not abandon our lands."

 

'EVEN THE OTTOMAN COULDN'T FINISH US'

 

Explaining that Êzidî women will fight to the end, Şeme Remo said: "I take morale from our martyrs who shed their blood for these lands. We owe a lot to our children who gave their lives. This actually helps us to fight more and resist more. The Ottoman Empire tried to kill us all until no one is left. Even they couldn't do it. We will unite against all their attacks."

 

SAME EXCUSE EVERYTIME

 

Explaining that Turkey has been trying to end the Yazidis for a long time, Şemê Remo reacted to the silence of international forces against the attacks. Şemê Remo said: "Their silence makes them complicit. They say there is PKK in Shengal. Was the PKK in Shengal every time they attacked us throughout history. This is an excuse. A NATO member state has been attacking us for years. It means there are other powers behind it too. Shall Melekê Tawis not leave them unpunished." 

 

RESISTANCE 

 

Stating that no one should remain silent in the face of the attacks, Şemê Remo said: "This is my call to the mothers of the world from Shengal. Come support us, şet's resist."

 

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut