Administration of North and East Syria prepares for promising harvest season despite agricultural fires set by Turkish-backed groups

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) is gearing up for a promising harvest season bolstered by heavy spring rains. As part of their preparations, they have implemented extensive measures to protect crops from potential dangers, especially fires.

In comments to SyriacPress, Co-Chair of the Zalin (Qamishli) Canton’s Directorate of Agriculture and Irrigation, highlighted the positive impact of this year’s heavy rains on agricultural yields.

Hussein Muhammad, a representative from Zalin, elaborated on the comprehensive plan devised to combat possible fires across the agricultural lands and its surrounding areas. The plan includes distributing 21 fire engines across towns and villages from Amuda to Ain Diwar. Each municipal building in the Zalin countryside will be equipped with a fully prepared fire truck to handle emergencies promptly.

Coordination efforts with the Zalin Water Directorate ensure that fire engines are adequately supplied with water. Additionally, there is collaboration with the Internal Security Forces, basic protection forces, the Agriculture Authority, and the Fuel Directorate to prepare and deploy fire cylinders. Further support is secured from the fire brigades in Rmelan and Hasakah.

Muhammad expressed gratitude to the local residents for their cooperation in fire-fighting efforts and for making their vehicles available during the harvest season. He also urged the public to keep roads clear for emergency fire trucks.s

Muhammad warned about the dangers posed by the Turkish occupation forces and their Syrian National Army (SNA) proxies which have been intentionally setting agricultural lands on fire in Mabbug (Manbij), Shahba, and Tel Tamr.

Farmer Abdul Ahad Mirza from the village of Zourava in the Zalin countryside shared his optimism about the abundant crop this year. However, he also pointed out challenges such as the insufficient availability of diesel, urging officials to increase the supply for farmers.