Environmental Authority in Gozarto, North and East Syria, warns of dire effects of Turkish attacks on ecosystem

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Recent Turkish attacks on North and East Syria have extensively targeted oil fields, causing significant economic and environmental damage. In a statement read by Co-Chair of the Gozarto (Jazira) Environmental Authority Mohammed Ahme in front of its headquarters in Hasakah, North and East Syria, the authority condemned these actions, stating that Turkey’s objective is to destroy regional infrastructure, displace residents, and erase hard-won local achievements.

The statement highlighted Turkey’s ongoing environmental aggression in North and East Syria, referencing incidents in Cafrin (Afrin) where trees have been cut down and burned, along with the drilling of wells in Tel Abyad and Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn) aimed at depleting water resources. Further, Turkey’s restriction of river flow has resulted in swamps that foster disease spread.

According to the statement, recent attacks have escalated environmental damage, contributing to heightened air pollution and degrading soil, air, water, and other life-supporting resources. The Environmental Authority called upon international and regional powers, along with humanitarian and environmental organizations, to monitor, document, and classify these Turkish practices as crimes against humanity and the environment.