"We don't love war between Kurds and Kurds. Our aim is to put them in Iran, not to kill, or finish them. We just want them out of Iraqi Kurdistan", says schoolmaster Fazil Bulut. Much of northern Iraq profits from the smuggling of contraband fuel into Turkey, but the PKK have been attacking convoys of lorries and crippling this illicit trade. Two Turkish soldiers were shot by Kurdish separatists and the Turkish army retaliated with a massive show of strength. The Turks have found unlikely allies in the form of Iraqi Kurds who fear the PKK's Marxist philosophy, although many young idealists - including women, who are welcomed into the PKK's ranks - are tempted by this outlook. "It's not easy to kill someone. But if it's necessary, I must do it. Even against my own family, I will do it" says Azimi, a 21-year old university graduate. The PKK is determined not to be pushed out of the mountains, but is under pressure from two sides as the Turkish army strengthens its grip.

A film by Mark Stucke.