The Armenian community in North and East Syria has declared a general mobilisation in response to Turkey’s military operations in the region. Following the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s (AANES) announcement on 1 December, Armenians pledged to stand with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their resistance.
The statement was read at the Syriac Unity Centre in Hasakah’s Nasira neighbourhood by the Syriac Women’s Union. It accused Turkey of attempting to revive Ottoman-era ambitions. “Under Erdoğan’s leadership, Turkey seeks to resurrect the Ottoman project, thwarted by the SDF’s defeat of ISIS in Baghouz,” the statement said.
The announcement also alleged that Turkey used armed groups like ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra to seize control of Aleppo and surrounding villages. Highlighting Aleppo’s historical and cultural importance, it stated that the Armenian community would never accept its annexation by Turkey.
The Armenians emphasised their determination not to remain silent in the face of occupation or allow a repetition of the genocides perpetrated during the Ottoman era. The statement also called for solidarity among Syria’s diverse communities and reiterated the community’s readiness to welcome displaced people fleeing the violence.
The announcement concluded with the establishment of the “Armenian Battalion”, which will operate under the SDF’s command to bolster regional defence efforts.
