People and political parties of North and East Syria condemn Turkish bombing campaign, call for international intervention

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — In response to the Turkish bombing campaign targeting vital civilian infrastructure in North and East Syria, popular demonstrations were organized across the region while political parties held a press conference in Zalin (Qamishli) to denounce the attacks and call for international intervention.

The Turkish attacks spanned most of the border, stretching from Kobani to Dayrik (Al-Malikiyah / Derik) and as far south as Hasakah, targeting factories, hospitals, water pumping stations, and power generation infrastructure.

The primary objective of the strikes appears to be disrupting daily life, public movement, and destabilizing the region already grappling with economic pressures and severe security challenges, resulting in numerous casualties.

#Turkey's 50+ strikes in NE #Syria have killed 18 including this doctor & destroyed hospital, schools, water & electrical plants, gas stations & other critical infrastructure.

This is against US goals of de-escalation, humanitarian support & defeat of ISIS. How is this allowed? https://t.co/iYe9ZNOIyG

— Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) October 6, 2023

Representatives of various parties, including the Syriac Union Party (SUP), issued a collective statement condemning the relentless attacks by Turkish forces on the people, administrators, security personnel, and infrastructure of North and East Syria.

The statement emphasized that Turkey’s ambitions extend to occupying more Syrian lands, forcibly relocating Syrian refugees from Turkey to occupied areas of northern Syria, and establish a sectarian border entity loyal to Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party. This move is perceived as a strategic plan to divide Syria, control its resources, and exploit its wealth. The parties strongly denounced the international community’s silence, which seems akin to complicity in the crimes committed by Turkey against Syrians and the region.

Expressing the strongest condemnation for the Turkish aggression and terrorism under the guise of protecting national security, the parties rejected Turkey’s attempt to link its internal problems to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. This project, designed to address challenges faced by both Turkish and Syrian peoples, should not be exploited as a scapegoat for Turkey’s internal issues.

Affirming their commitment to internal peace in Syria and neighboring countries, the parties underscored the importance of dialogue as the sole path to achieving security and stability in the country.

Thousands of protestors took to the streets across the region to demand the cessation of Turkish attacks and call for international intervention to prevent further violence and destruction.