HRO: Systematic targeting of civilians is war crime 

 Eighteen civilians were martyred, and dozens were injured in three massacres committed by the Turkish occupation within two days in North and East Syria. The Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces stated: “These massacres, which are documented with visual evidence, not only condemn Turkey but also condemn the silence of the international community.”

In this regard, ANHA agency conducted an interview with Avin Jumaa, the administrator of the Human Rights Organization in Syria, who stated: “Despite the fall of the regime and the region entering a transitional phase, the attacks continue. There are severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have not ceased in Syria. We recall the ongoing attacks on North and East Syria by the Turkish army and its affiliated factions, known as the Syrian National Army. Civilians and civilian infrastructure are being targeted with all kinds of heavy weapons, including warplanes and lethal drones.”

A war crime

Avin Jumaa explained: “A massacre occurred in Serrin against unarmed civilians, where more than twenty civilians were martyred, including nine children.”

She pointed out that “the targeting of civilians in this manner is a war crime, as they are being directly targeted. This falls under international crimes punishable by international humanitarian law. Civilians must be kept away from war and must be protected.”

She emphasized that targeting civilians is a war crime punishable by law and that the systematic targeting of civilians daily is alarming. She said: “We recall, before this massacre, the massacre that occurred in Ain Issa, where civilians from the same family, including children, were martyred. The same happened in Zirghan, where this scene is repeated almost daily.”

According to statistics issued by the Human Rights Organization: “In 2024, at least 19 children lost their lives, in addition to dozens of civilians, including women. This repeated targeting is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and the international silence regarding these crimes is a major concern for the safety of Syrian civilians who have lived through devastating conflicts, paying the price with their lives. They have been displaced, killed, kidnapped, tortured, and forcibly disappeared.”

No justification for the attacks rxcept for power expansion

Avin Jumaa explained that at a time when a transitional phase should be paving the way for dialogue and constitution-building, “we see the killing machine tearing civilians apart in the name of protecting the national security of regional states. However, it is Syrian civilians who are suffering, and this is a crime.”

Avin Jumaa called on the international community to take action to protect Syrian civilians, as the continued Turkish assaults, supported by mercenaries, are no longer justifiable except for power expansion and control.

She stressed: “There is no other justification for the continuation of this war. Instead of moving towards building Syria, more Syrian territories are being seized, and unarmed civilians and children are being killed without any legal deterrent. Therefore, we once again call for an end to these attacks and a shift towards dialogue to build a new Syria, rather than shedding more Syrian blood.”

A-H

ANHA