Administration of North and East Syria commemorates 10th anniversary of ISIS attacks on Khabur

TEL TAMR, North and East Syria — On the tenth anniversary of the Islamic State’s (ISIS) devastating assault on the Assyrian villages of the Khabur River Valley, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) issued a statement condemning the attack as a tragic continuation of the historic persecution of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. The 2015 invasion resulted in the capture of 33 villages, widespread destruction, displacement, and significant loss of life.

Honoring Resistance and Remembering the Fallen

The statement praised the Syriac Military Council (Mawtbo Fulhoyo Suryoyo, MFS) for its courageous resistance against ISIS during the assault. It honored the fighters who sacrificed their lives to defend their land and people, as well as the civilians who perished in the attacks.

DAARNES highlighted the efforts of the MFS, whose resilience and determination ensured the safe evacuation of thousands of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. The statement also recognized the collaboration of the MFS with the People’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Gel, YPG) and the US-led international Coalition, which played a pivotal role in liberating the occupied villages.

Call for International Recognition and Support

DAARNES declared that the atrocities committed in Khabur qualify as genocide under international law and urged the global community to recognize the scale of the crimes. The region remains heavily damaged and in need of urgent international support to rebuild critical infrastructure and restore essential services.

The statement emphasized the necessity of helping displaced families return to their homes and rebuilding Khabur as part of a broader effort to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Continuing the Struggle for Freedom

In closing, DAARNES reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the MFS, YPG, and the Women’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Jin, YPJ). It vowed to continue their legacy by upholding the principles of freedom and dignity for all the peoples of Syria, ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.