In a recent statement, the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (AANES) blamed the Turkish state and its allied armed groups for escalating tensions and targeting key infrastructure. According to AANES, Turkish forces have intensified their attacks, specifically targeting the Tishreen Dam and civilian areas, in what it described as an attempt to cover up military failures. The administration reported that two civilians were killed and 20 others injured in the latest air strikes.
AANES has accused Turkey of committing war crimes under international law and called for those responsible to be prosecuted. It stressed that the targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure is a flagrant violation of international conventions and must be addressed by global judicial bodies.
Since early December, Turkish-backed forces have intensified their attacks on critical infrastructure, focusing on the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam and Qara Quzak (Qere Qozaq) Bridge. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have accused Turkey of deliberately hitting civilian targets to pressure local communities and disrupt vital services. Protesters have been staging a sit-in at the dam since 8 January, demanding an end to the attacks, which they say are threatening the region’s water and electricity supplies.
On 8 January, a Turkish drone attack targeted civilians travelling to join the sit-in, causing casualties among unarmed demonstrators. A week later, Turkish forces attacked a convoy travelling to the dam, killing one person and injuring four others. Later that day, shelling of the dam itself claimed three more lives and wounded several civilians stationed there for protection.
On 16 January, another air strike killed several people and injured ten others, raising concerns about potential flooding if the dam is severely damaged. Further attacks between 8 and 21 January targeted health workers, journalists and ambulances transporting the injured. A strike on 21 January killed two civilians and wounded over 20, including four journalists covering the protests.
Despite the ongoing air strikes, civilians continue to arrive at the Tishreen Dam from across the region, vowing to continue their protest. Videos from the site show demonstrators chanting in Kurdish and Arabic, determined to protect their critical infrastructure.
AANES has called on the international community, the United Nations and the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh (ISIS) to intervene and prevent further escalation. It stressed that the attacks violate international law and agreements, and warned of catastrophic consequences if the dam collapses.
