The Hidden War: As Turkey heads towards elections on November 1st, fighting between the Kurds and state intensifies.
In the face of increasing government violence, Kurdish areas throughout Turkey are declaring autonomy. This report explores the origins of the conflict as Kurds take up arms against their government.
"This is the reality of our lives", explains Metin, a university student, as he stands in the derelict roads of Silopi. The town is largely deserted except for the young militants that roam the streets. "Before, everyone lived here happily... now the streets are empty." In June, the governing AK party missed an absolute majority in the Turkish general election. Coalition talks failed and a new vote will be cast in November. Following the election, violence broke out in the country's South-east between Turkish forces and Kurdish militants, and over 300 have died. "We do not want independence, we want to implement our own system within Turkey", explains one Kurd. As clashes with the government continue, Kurdish forces and youth militias are growing in numbers. This report explores the developing conflict that is threatening to destabilize Turkey.