Turkish attacks on North and East Syria continuation of occupation strategy, says Syriac Union Party official Rubel Bahho

ZALIN, Syria — Amidst the recent wave of Turkish attacks on civilian and vital installations in North and East Syria, Deputy Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and Member of the Executive Body of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) Rubel Bahho stated that the attacks are not new but rather an extension of Turkey’s previous occupations in Cafrin (Afrin), Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn), and Tel Abyad.

In comments to SyriacPress, Bahho emphasized that Turkey’s objectives is to dismantle the AANES democratic project, which is a threat to its authoritarianism. He further pointed out that the assaults are part of a broader strategy to force the region’s diverse peoples to abandon their ancestral lands.

Highlighting the specific targeting of areas near detention centers holding members of the Islamic State (ISIS), Bahho said the chaos caused in these facilities and the camps hosting families and children of ISIS members poses a serious and real threat to the region and the wider international community. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the potential boost to dormant terrorist cells, urging the international coalition to intervene and prevent further attacks.

Extending Christmas and New Year greetings to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, Bahho wished them peace and security. He called upon the community to unite in the coming year to confront the Turkish occupation and safeguard their freedom, rights, and hard-won gains in the North and East Syria.