The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has issued a statement regarding Turkey’s escalating attacks on Aleppo, Shahba (Şehba) and other regions in Syria.
The statement, delivered in both Kurdish and Arabic by AANES Co-chairs Evîn Siwêd and Hisên Osman, highlights the continued aggression of Turkey and its allied factions, which aims to implement Turkey’s expansionist Misak-ı Millî* (National Pact) plans, targeting all areas in the region.
This statement from the Autonomous Administration highlights the severity of Turkey’s actions in northern Syria and calls for regional and international solidarity. The focus on Turkey’s historical ambitions and the mobilisation of diverse communities aims to counter a potential humanitarian and political crisis. Key excerpts from the statement are lightly edited for clarity, and quoted below
1. Condemnation of Turkish aggression:
“At the outset, we condemn the attacks of Turkey and its allied factions against Syria’s territories, and salute the historical resistance of our people in Aleppo and Shahba. These attacks are part of Turkey’s broader strategy to occupy Syrian land and revive the borders of the Ottoman-era Misak-ı Millî.”
2. Call for Unity:
“We call on all components—Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs, Assyrians and Turkmens—to join hands against these attacks and strengthen unity. These attacks aim to dismantle Syria and turn it into a hub for international terrorism.”
3. Appeal to Youth:
“We urge our youth to rally around the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The phase we are entering is one of general mobilisation, and we call on all our people to remain ready to defend their land and dignity.”
* The Turkish Misak-ı Millî or National Pact was drawn up by the Ottoman parliament in 1920, and aimed at preserving as far as possible the territorial control the Ottomans held at the time.
