Turkey’s drone attacks on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) have claimed dozens of lives, including children, and inflicted significant material damage since Sunday. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led force in the region, have responded with resilience, downing two Turkish drones.
Turkish attacks on AANES
Since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Turkish drone attacks have inflicted heavy civilian casualties in AANES territory. The bloodiest attack occurred in Ain Issa (Eyn Îsa) on Monday, killing 13 people, including six children. On the same day, three civilians were killed in a drone strike in the countryside of Al Hasakah (Hesekê). On Tuesday, Turkish drones struck again in the Ain Issa region, killing several members of the same family.
Since Monday, Turkey has continued shelling and drone bombings in Kobane (Kobanî) and surrounding areas. A Turkish drone strike killed a 25-year-old man and a 12-year-old child in a village west of Kobanî. The same area witnessed a factory being targeted on Wednesday. Similar drone strikes were reported in Raqqa (Reqa). The AANES-based Rojava Information Centre (RIC) confirmed that at least 37 civilians have been killed since the Turkish military offensive began on Monday.
Turkey kills 13 civilians, including 6 children in Syria’s Ain Issa,
Since Monday, Turkey has continued shelling and drone bombings in Kobane (Kobanî) and surrounding areas. A Turkish drone strike killed a 25-year-old man and a 12-year-old child in a village west of Kobanî. The same area witnessed a factory being targeted on Wednesday. Similar drone strikes were reported in Raqqa (Reqa). The AANES-based Rojava Information Centre (RIC) confirmed that at least 37 civilians have been killed since the Turkish military offensive began on Monday.
SDF response to Turkish attacks
The SDF is actively responding to Turkey’s drone attacks. On Monday, the SDF shot down a Turkish AKSUNGUR drone near Tirbespiyê. The incident was captured on video and shared by the SDF, showing the drone’s fall from the sky. On Tuesday, the SDF announced the downing of another Turkish drone, the ANKA.
A video released on Monday documented SDF operations against Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces in Manbij (Minbîc). Using advanced technology and drones, the SDF successfully repelled Turkish-backed attacks on the Qara Quzaq bridge and Tishreen Dam, showcasing modern warfare tactics.
SDF vows continued resistance
SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami, speaking to Kurdish TV Ronahi, emphasised that the SDF’s strength lies in its fighters’ determination rather than just technology. “SDF fighters are defending the existence of their people with their lives,” he said. Shami condemned the ongoing sectarian violence perpetrated by Turkish-backed SNA mercenaries in occupied areas like Shahba (Şehba), Aleppo, and Manbij. The multi-ethnic composition of the SDF — including Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, and other groups — strengthens their resolve to protect their people from atrocities.
Thousands of people have fled to Raqqa and Tabqa since 27 November, seeking safety. Shami highlighted that the AANES model offers a safe, democratic space where all ethnicities and beliefs coexist peacefully.
The SDF, with years of experience fighting ISIS, has evolved into a capable, modern military force. “Our priority is the protection of our people and regions,” Shami asserted, recalling the sacrifices made during the war against ISIS.
