Footage shared by journalist Hoshang Hasan, originally released by platforms supportive of Turkey and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), clearly shows a deliberate targeting of unarmed demonstrators on northern Syria’s Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam.
t
“A video released by platforms supporting the Turkish army and the SNA shows a Turkish drone deliberately targeting protesters at the Tishreen Dam in northern Syria,” Hasan said, sharing the footage on X. “The protesters are demanding an end to the Turkish attack and the attack by its allied groups.”
A video published by platforms supportive of the Turkish army and the SNA shows a deliberate targeting by a Turkish drone of protesters at the Tishreen Dam in northern Syria. The protesters are demanding an end to the Turkish attack and the assault by its allied factions. pic.twitter.com/IM5RoZMdSr
— Hoshang Hasan (@HoshangHesen) January 21, 2025
The Turkish army and the mercenaries under its command have escalated operations against the North and East Syria (Rojava), focusing on strategic points in Manbij (Minbîc) and Qara Quzak (Qere Qozaq). After suffering heavy losses against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Turkish-backed jihadist groups have shifted their tactics to attacking civilians and vital infrastructure. Since early December, they have focused on strategic sites such as Tishreen Dam and the Qara Quzak Bridge on the Euphrates.
Protesters have staged a sit-in vigil on the dam since 8 January, demanding an end to Turkish attacks and the assault by its allied factions against the dam, which is vital source of power and water for the region. The targeted airstrikes have continued, killing at least 17 civilians and injuring dozens more since the protest started.
Chronology of attacks on civilians since 8 January
Civilians travelling to demonstrate against the bombing of the Tishreen Dam were hit by a Turkish drone strike on 8 January. Casualties were also reported among the unarmed demonstrators, raising alarm about the escalating violence against civilians.
On 15 January, Turkey launched an attack on a convoy travelling to the dam to join the protest, killing one civilian and injuring four. Hours later, Turkish forces shelled the dam itself, killing three more civilians and wounding at least seven, including three civilians guarding the dam.
Another air strike targeted the dam on 16 January, killing several civilians and injuring ten. Local sources warned of catastrophic flooding if the dam collapsed, threatening the region’s electricity and water supplies.
A series of strikes between 8 and 21 January claimed more lives, including those of health workers and journalists. Ambulances transporting the injured were also targeted. On 21 January, Turkish air strikes again hit the peaceful sit-in protest, killing two civilians and injuring more than 20 people – four of them journalists. Survivors described a chaotic scene as medics struggled to help the wounded.
At least 365 fighters from the Turkish-backed SNA have been killed in fighting with the SDF around the Tishreen Dam and the Qara Quzak Bridge since December. The SDF has also reported the loss of 81 of its fighters, as well as the Kurdish journalists Nazim Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin, who were killed by a Turkish drone strike while covering the front lines.
Undeterred by the ongoing threat, civilians from across North and East Syria continue to arrive at the Tishreen Dam and join sit-ins to protect critical water and electricity infrastructure. Videos of these demonstrations show men and women singing in Kurdish and Arabic, insisting that they will continue their vigil despite the risk of further air strikes.
Local authorities, including spokespeople for the SDF, have appealed to the international community, the UN and the Global Coalition to Defeat Da’esh (ISIS) to intervene. They warn that continued bombardment could lead to a humanitarian and environmental disaster if damage to the dam triggers a wider collapse, endangering tens of thousands of civilians and vital services.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Turkish strikes kill civilians in Syria, as thousands join peace demos at Tishreen Dam Double Turkish strike kills four civilian Tishreen Dam protestors Several killed in latest Turkish attack on civilians at Tishreen Dam Tishreen Dam at risk of collapse amid escalating Turkish attacks Turkish strike kills two at Tishreen Dam, civilian toll exceeds 17
