Administration of North and East Syria reaffirms commitment to liberate Turkish-occupied cities on 5th anniversary of occupation

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — On the 5th anniversary of the Turkey’s occupation of the cities of Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn) and Tel Abyad, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) reiterated its unwavering commitment to liberating these areas, as well as the city of Cafrin (Afrin), occupied by Turkey in 2016. DAARNES emphasized that the return of displaced residents to their homes remains central to its efforts in resisting the occupiers.

In a statement, DAARNES urged international powers complicit with the Turkey and its proxy Syrian National Army (SNA) to reconsider their policies. It called on global human rights and humanitarian organizations to establish an independent committee to investigate violations in the occupied territories and hold perpetrators accountable.

DAARNES underscored that the ongoing Turkish occupation perpetuates chaos and directly supports extremist groups, including the Islamic State (ISIS). It stressed that ending the occupation is essential for restoring stability and security in the region and reaffirmed its strategic decision to resist until the occupation ends.

Marking the anniversary, the Rish Ayno Displaced Persons Committee organized a protest in front of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Zalin (Qamishli). Protesters delivered a message to UNHCR officials, condemning the Turkish occupation’s practices as violations of human rights, international law, and United Nations conventions protecting civilians. They demanded an end to the Turkish policy of demographic change and inhumane practices in the occupied areas.