Civilians in northern Syria’s Tel Rifaat and Aleppo regions are under threat of potential massacre as violence escalates, Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party warned on Sunday. In a statement, the party highlighted that Kurdish, Arab and other communities refusing allegiance to militant groups now face severe danger.
“Tens of thousands, including displaced people in Tel Rifaat, are now targets of aggressive jihadist groups and their allies,” the statement read. The DEM Party urged political organisations, advocates of democracy, human rights activists and international institutions to raise their voices against the escalating conflict.
The warning comes amid intensified fighting in the region. Turkish-backed rebel Syrian National Army (SNA) forces launched an assault on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following a renewed offensive by the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on government positions. The DEM Party stressed that the attacks could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, especially in Tel Rifaat, where many have sought refuge.
Observers fear that the surge in violence may further destabilise the area, which has already endured years of conflict. The DEM Party’s call adds to growing international pressure for urgent intervention to protect civilians and halt the fighting.
