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Intense armed confrontations between Turkish forces and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants have severed the drinking water supply to Cham village in Iraqi Kurdistan, according to a report from Shafaq News. The disruption occurred amidst continued shelling and military operations by Turkiye targeting PKK positions within the region.
Residents in the affected Kanî Masi subdistrict of Duhok Province told Shafaq News that the vital water infrastructure serving Cham village was rendered "completely disabled" following the recent escalation in clashes and artillery strikes. This marks a recurring crisis for the community, with one local stating, "This is the second time our access to clean water has been wiped out" by the conflict dynamics spilling across the border.
The incident highlights the significant impact of the ongoing Turkiye-PKK conflict on civilian populations in Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkish military forces have continued, and reportedly escalated, operations involving both air and ground assaults against suspected PKK locations. These actions frequently occur near populated areas, raising concerns for resident safety and well-being.
Civilian infrastructure has repeatedly suffered damage as a consequence of the fighting. Multiple rural communities across the Kurdistan Region have reported disruptions to essential services, property damage, and displacement as families flee the violence. The loss of water access in Cham village underscores the precarious situation faced by civilians caught between the warring parties, with humanitarian concerns mounting for communities repeatedly affected by the cross-border hostilities. Access to clean water remains uncertain for the village's inhabitants as military activities persist.