They continue their protest at Tishrin Dam with steadfast determination 

For weeks, the people of North and East Syria, from all communities, have been protesting at Tishrin Dam to protect it from air raids and artillery shelling by the Turkish occupation army and its affiliated mercenaries.

The northern and western outskirts of Tishrin Dam have witnessed intense attacks by Turkish-backed mercenaries, while the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to repel the ongoing assault, which has lasted for more than 50 days.

Observers warn that the continued direct targeting of the dam’s structure could lead to collapses, posing the risk of a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe that could extend to Iraq.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has called on the international community and influential states in Syria to pressure the Turkish occupation to halt its attacks on Tishrin Dam.

On January 8, crowds from the North and East Syria region gathered at Tishrin Dam to protect it, yet the Turkish occupation directly targeted the protesters.

The Turkish occupation’s attacks on Tishrin Dam have resulted in the martyrdom of more than 20 civilians and the injury of over 200 others.

Despite these attacks, protesters maintaining their sit-in at the dam have not been deterred. New groups continue to arrive to take shifts in the protest.

Sabri Mustafa, one of the forcibly displaced people from the city of (Girê Spî/Tal Abyad), went to Tishrin Dam and said, “This dam is a vital facility, a source of energy, and provides drinking water to the region. It is our duty to protect it and prevent a humanitarian disaster.”

Mustafa told ANHA agency, “The Turkish state does not differentiate between anyone; it targets everyone with brutality. These people do not threaten Turkey’s national security.”

Mustafa, who is participating in the protest, also expressed his discontent with the silence of international powers regarding the Turkish occupation’s attacks, saying, “We condemn this silence. They must take action for the people who have sacrificed themselves and fought against ISIS on behalf of the entire world.”

Salwa Mohammed, another participant in the protests at Tishrin Dam, highlighted the deep concern caused by Turkish occupation forces’ attacks on the dam, warning that they could exacerbate the economic and livelihood crisis already plaguing the country.

Salwa Mohammed, who is taking part in the protest for the second time, said, “We have been living for several weeks without water or electricity because of the attacks on Tishrin Dam.”

She added, “The Turkish state thinks it can instill fear in our hearts by directly targeting the protesters, but we are not afraid because we are the rightful owners of this land.”

A-H

ANHA