-
Residents of Northeast Syria Increasingly Anxious Due to Turkish Threats
Residents of Northeast Syria are living in deep concern amid rising Turkish threats of a new offensive against areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. These threats raise significant fears among the local population, who have suffered for many years from conflict and destruction, and they are apprehensive about the potential for collective reprisals, killings, and forced displacement similar to what occurred in Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad.
In recent weeks, Turkish threats toward areas such as Ain al-Arab (Kobani), Tal Tamr, and Jazira have intensified. In an interview with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Hewin H., a resident of Tal Tamr, expressed her concerns, stating, "We had hoped for an end to the war, but the Turkish threats have brought fear back. We Kurds and the minorities in the north do not know where to go if Turkey attacks our areas, and we are well aware of the brutality of the Turkish army and armed factions and their willingness to commit serious violations against us."
Mujdal A., a resident of Derbasiyeh, also conveyed his fears, saying, "We fear that these threats will become a reality. If Turkish forces invade our areas, we will face an unknown fate. Turkish President Erdogan seeks to revive the dream of the Ottoman Empire through the complete occupation of Syria."
On his part, Shiar K. from Qamishli warned that Turkey may not be content with merely attacking Kobani but may expand its occupation. He added, "If Turkey manages to control Kobani, it will not stop there but will extend to other areas in northern Syria, posing a direct threat to the whole region."
Amid these threats, residents of Northeast Syria are calling on the international community to provide genuine international protection for their areas. The population lives in a constant state of fear of a new Turkish escalation and appeals to the United Nations for immediate action to provide security guarantees, as has been done in other parts of Syria.
Fears in Northeast Syria are rising with the escalation of Turkish threats, as local residents face an uncertain future amid concerns of military escalation, forced displacement, and human rights violations. With the absence of international protection and the weak stance of major powers, the fate of these residents remains contingent upon upcoming military and political developments.
