Syriac Military Council leader: Turkish occupation follows same criminal ideology of the Ottomans

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — On the frontlines in North and East Syria protecting the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people from the violent Ottomanist ideology of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), the Syriac Military Council (Mawtbo Fulḥoyo Suryoyo, MFS) see it as their duty to ensure that the crimes committed against their community are never repeated.

SuroyoTV interviewed a leader of the MFS, Orom Suryoyo, about the Sayfo Genocide and its connection to the current military aggression targeting the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

“We in the MFS demand that our people and the Sayfo issue be taken seriously and be addressed by all international and region forums,” said Suryoyo.

“We, as the MFS, have taken it upon ourselves to protect our Syriac people and establish an organized army that can protect our people with dedication and daring,” he added, indicating that they will not allow the repetition of Sayfo Genocide.

“After fighting the Islamic State (ISIS), we have gained experience in the military field, which gave our people confidence and conviction in our MFS,” he continued.

When asked about the policies of the Turkish government, including the recruitment of mercenaries and the systemic violations committed against the people of North and East Syria, Suryoyo replied that, “The Turkish regime policy, including human rights violations, has become clear to the peoples of North and East Syria. Therefore, we have been ready to confront any threat.”

Turkey is resurrecting Ottoman policies in an attempt to repeat the events of 1915, he said, remarking that the cutting off of water and food and besieging populated areas are reminiscent of the sieges and starvation conducted by Ottoman forces during the Sayfo.

“Today, we are witnessing a relative calmness in the areas where MFS is mobilized, thanks to the MFS comrades who fought hard for peace,” he added.

He concluded by saying, “I call on our people to believe in, support, and be proud of the MFS because it will protect our heritage and presence. I also call on the Syriac youth to complete the path of struggle in the military and security field to secure the rights of our Syriac people.”