Environment Body warns of Turkish attacks' environmental risks

Turkey continues its assaults on NE Syria, heavily damaging oil fields, petroleum sites, and gathering and refining facilities, causing major environmental harm.

In this context, the Environment Body in Jazera Canton issued a statement outside its headquarters in Hasaka, attended by members of the body and the Hasaka Municipalities Department.

In the statement, Mohammad Ahmi, co-chair of the Environment Body in Jazera Canton, emphasized that the Turkish occupation’s objective in attacking the region is to destroy its infrastructure, displace its residents, end the democratic environment, and eliminate the achievements of its people that were won through sacrifice.

The statement highlighted the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries' hostility towards the environment in North and East Syria. It cited the destruction of vegetation in Afrin, where trees are cut down and burned, as well as the arbitrary digging of wells in Serê Kaniyê and Girê Spî/Tal Abyad to deplete water resources. Additionally, the occupation's blocking of river water turns it into stagnant pools, creating disease-prone areas.

It explained that the occupation's recent attacks on the region have increased environmental damage by hindering development efforts and intensifying air pollution. The statement noted that these attacks and destructive weapon remnants affect soil, air, and water, impacting all aspects of life.

The statement considered this aggression a serious threat to existence, as it eradicates all elements necessary for life in the region, rendering it uninhabitable for humans.

In conclusion, the statement called on all international and regional powers, humanitarian and rights organizations, and especially environmental organizations, movements, and institutions, to monitor, document, and classify these occupation practices as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and environmental crimes. It urged more serious efforts to stop these actions and stressed the need to find solutions for the problems caused by the attacks

A-H

ANHA