JINHA

AMED - As the Turkish military continues an operation in the largely Kurdish Lice area, activists from Istanbul have headed for Lice in response to residents' calls for support.

It has been a week since the Turkish military launched an operation in the Lice district of Diyarbakır province. The operation is ongoing in the triangle between Lice, Hani and Kocaköy. Local residents have started a "human shield" vigil to put their bodies between guerrillas and soldiers. Violent clashes between guerrillas and soldiers have continued. Turkish helicopters have bombed the area despite the civilian presence.

The group in Lice called for support in their action. Now, 65 anti-war activists have set out from Istanbul to join the Lice action. Police stopped one group of 35 at the entrance to Diyarbakır province. The group was eventually released. The activists will aid the vigil in the village of Hurê (Gömeç in Turkish).

(be-sg/fk/cm)