Turkey and the Syrian National Army (SNA), which is backed by Turkey, continue their attacks on North and East Syria. Immediately after the attacks launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) against the Baath regime, Shahba and Til Rifaat became the targets of Turkey and the SNA. Due to the attacks, tens of thousands of people in the region were forced to flee to other towns in North and East Syria. Immediately afterwards, intense attacks were launched against Manbij. Dozens of civilians lost their lives due to the attacks.

 

LIVING AREAS TARGETED

 

Evîn Cuma, one of the executives of the Syrian Human Rights Organization (KMM), evaluated the attacks and related developments. Evîn Cuma pointed out that since 2018, attacks have been carried out against the cities of Efrîn, Girê Spî, Serêkaniyê, Til Rifaat, Eyn Îssa and Kobanê and said: "Many civilians, especially women and children, lost their lives in these attacks. Tens of thousands of people were displaced. Most people still cannot find shelter. The situation of those who had to migrate, especially in winter conditions, is getting worse. The targeting of electricity and oil refineries deepens the crisis in the region. In addition, the attack on the Tişrîn Dam poses a serious danger."

 

ISIS THREAT

 

Stating that war crimes are being committed in the region and that it is difficult to document human rights violations, especially in areas controlled by paramilitary groups, Evîn Cuma said: "Women and children have been the targets of massacres. The wounded are killed and captives are executed. Currently, the villages of Eyn Îsa, Kobanê and Manbij continue to be targeted. These attacks not only create unrest, but also lead to ISIS regaining strength. There are tens of thousands of ISIS members held in Hol Camp and prisons. The region poses a threat not only to Syria but also to the world. The people living here used to live peacefully together with different ethnic and religious groups. However, the attacks threaten this peace. If serious aid is not provided to the migrants, this crisis will grow even more."

 

CALL TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

 

Evîn Cuma stressed that international human rights organizations and institutions should take action against the attacks. Evîn Cuma continued as follows: "There is destruction here, but international organizations are silent. If more attention is not paid here, human rights violations will increase. The migrants' right to life is being violated and their settlement problems are not being solved. People are starving but they want to have peace. Because their lives are under constant threat. The war is not over here. People are still looking for their missing relatives. If security and peace are not ensured, there will be more violations of human rights. The international community needs to fulfil its responsibility here."

 

MA / Delal Akyüz