Turkey continues its assaults on North and East Syria, targeting Syrian civilians, with the latest attack in the countryside of Kobani resulting in the tragic killing of ten members of the same family.
Despite the absence of any legitimate justifications for Turkey’s aggression against the region, and despite the agreement between the SDF and Damascus authorities, Turkey persists in its attacks.
Speaking to ANJA agency, Jihad Hassan stated: "The Turkish attacks, particularly in the Kobani countryside, where entire families have been targeted, reflect Ankara’s deep-seated animosity toward the region’s inhabitants."
Hassan emphasized that these brutal assaults, especially during the holy month of Ramadan—a time meant for mercy and compassion—expose the hypocrisy of the Turkish government, which claims to defend Islamic values while committing heinous crimes against innocent civilians. "Those who claim to protect Islam do not kill children," he added.
Hassan also pointed out that Turkey’s military campaign, ongoing for more than three years, has deliberately targeted critical infrastructure, public service institutions, and civilians, aiming to paralyze daily life and deprive people of their most basic necessities.
Undermining Efforts for Stability in Syria
Hassan highlighted that Turkey has escalated its attacks precisely at a time when Syrians were hoping for greater stability following recent understandings between the SDF and the Damascus government. These agreements had opened a window for political resolution and peace, but Turkey, unwilling to see stability in Syria, rushed to send violent and deadly messages through its continued bombardment—an attempt to thwart any efforts toward security and peace.
He further stressed that Turkey’s ongoing military operations against civilians in North and East Syria obstruct peace efforts and threaten the foundations of coexistence among the region’s diverse communities. He remarked: "We were optimistic about the peace process recently announced in Turkey, expecting it to have a positive impact on the broader Syrian situation, particularly in North and East Syria. However, these relentless attacks have shattered any hope, extinguishing the dreams of the people for stability and peaceful coexistence."
Hassan asserted that since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, Turkey has contributed nothing but violence and military interventions. It has facilitated the passage of terrorist groups across its borders, further destabilizing Syria. As a result, any peace initiative claimed by Turkey is met with skepticism, as its actions on the ground starkly contradict its rhetoric.
Call for International Action
Jihad Hassan called on the international community, as well as human rights and humanitarian organizations, to assume their responsibilities in condemning and documenting Turkey’s violations and taking concrete steps to put an end to these crimes. He stated: "The international community’s silence and lack of decisive action over the past years have emboldened Turkey to continue committing massacres with impunity."
He urged all communities and social groups in Syria to strengthen values of unity and coexistence, reinforcing bonds of solidarity as the strongest response to Turkish occupation. He concluded by affirming:
"No matter how intense the bombardment and military interventions become, the will of the people will not be broken. They will continue striving with determination toward a democratic project that guarantees the rights of all Syrians within a pluralistic, democratic, and decentralized Syria."
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ANHA
