Afrin...Continued tragedy and unbeatable resilience

 The Turkish occupying state launched a large-scale attack on the Afrin region, which spans approximately 3,850 km², or about 2% of Syria's total area. In this assault, Turkey deployed all its military capabilities, including arming mercenaries and providing them with logistical and military support, which allowed them to advance on the ground under heavy aerial bombardment, with 72 aircraft flying on the first day of the attack. The assault lasted for 58 days, during which the people of Afrin displayed courageous resistance. 

However, the intensity of airstrikes and artillery bombardments, along with horrific massacres committed by the occupiers, led the People's Defense Units (YPG), Women's Defense Units (YPJ), and the Democratic Self-Administration to make the difficult decision to evacuate the civilians.

 Turkey's occupation of Afrin was completed on March 18, 2018, following fierce resistance. During this period, Afrin suffered extensive destruction, including the demolition of archaeological sites, the destruction of gravestones, and the alteration of its demographic makeup. The region transformed from a green landscape into a barren, gray terrain due to the near-daily logging of trees. The assault resulted in the martyrdom of approximately 498 civilians and the forced displacement of over 300,000 residents, according to preliminary statistics.

 According to a report by the Human Rights Organization Afrin-Syria, the Kurdish population in Afrin before the Turkish attack was 97%. This proportion dropped to less than 20% after mercenaries brought their families to settle in the region, with settlers and their families now exceeding 80% of the population.

 The Tragedy of Recurrent Displacement

 The people of Afrin resisted in the Shahba region and Tal Rifaat after enduring a harsh displacement journey. However, their suffering did not end, as they faced a new attack on December 2, 2024. This prompted the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to intervene and establish a safe corridor to move the displaced to safer areas in northern and eastern Syria.

 Those families unable to join the convoys heading to safety were subjected to horrific crimes at the hands of the "Amsheh" and "Hamzah" mercenaries, including murder and beheading, with women and children among the victims.

Ongoing Crimes Despite Political Changes

 Crimes against the people of Afrin have continued since its occupation and remain unabated. Despite the fall of the Ba'ath regime and the takeover of Damascus by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and the convening of the "Victory Conference" on January 29, where leaders of 18 military factions declared their dissolution and integration into Damascus' institutions, the mercenaries of "Amsheh" and "Hamzah" loyal to the Turkish occupation maintained their allegiance to Turkey and refused to comply with the conference's decisions.

 Disregard for the "Victory Conference" Decisions

 The mercenaries loyal to the Turkish occupying state did not adhere to the decisions of the "Victory Conference," considering themselves outside the authority of Damascus and remaining committed to their loyalty to Turkey. Despite the opportunity given to them to return to their cities and villages following the fall of the Ba'ath regime on December 8, 2025, only a few managed to flee with their families from some villages surrounding Afrin towards the interior of Syria, fearing forced participation in Turkish attacks on the Tishrin Dam and the Qaraquzaq Bridge.

 Hope for Return

 The hope for return remains alive among the people of Afrin, as they continue their struggle and resistance in various parts of northern and eastern Syria. They actively participate in all social, service, political, and human rights spheres, reaffirming their determination to regain their rights and rebuild their community.

 a.k

ANHA