On 7th anniversary of Khabur resistance, USCIRF Chair Maenza expresses her solidarity with Khabur residents and calls on international community to support them

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Seven years ago, the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked the Syriac–Assyrian villages in the Khabur River Valley in North and East Syria, forcing thousands of residents to flee. ISIS attempted to exterminate the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and uproot them from their historic lands, said U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair Nadine Maenza in a statement to Suroyo TV.

“We remember those who died, and those who were missed, displaced and unable to return to their homes,” Maenza said.

“We remember the valiant resistance of the Syriac Military Council [Mawtbo Fulḥoyo Suryoyo, MFS] and others who bravely fought this evil. We also honor the martyrs who lost their lives in this battle,” she added.

Maenza also commented on Turkey’s role in perpetuating the crimes committed by ISIS in Khabur, saying, “Unfortunately, Turkey continues to bomb and carry out drone strikes targeting civilians in Khabur, causing more injuries and deaths, forcing the remaining residents and many of those who survived ISIS genocide to flee.”

Maenza reiterated her support for the people of Khabur, who she said just want to return to their homes and live in peace.

“It is time for the international community to stand by these peoples,” she concluded.