Turkey has intensified airstrikes on key urban centres in regions governed by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), including Kobani (Kobanê), Qamishli (Qamişlo), and Tirbespi, targeting critical infrastructure including power stations, oil fields, and food storage facilities. The strikes have left tens of thousands of civilians without electricity, fuel, and essential services, pushing millions already facing hardship closer to a humanitarian catastrophe, local non-profit organisations reported.
According to the AANES and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) officials, Turkish forces are systematically attacking essential civilian resources to destabilise AANES-controlled regions and subjugate Kurdish-held areas. Recent airstrikes have hit at least five power stations, leading to widespread blackouts, and repeatedly targeted oil and gas facilities crucial for heating, cooking, and transportation. These attacks have disrupted access to essential resources, causing food and fuel prices to soar as supplies dwindle. Humanitarian organisations warn that continued targeting of food warehouses, water facilities, and other infrastructure could trigger a full-scale humanitarian disaster, especially with winter fast approaching.
The latest Turkish offensive has drawn condemnation from human rights organisations and AANES leaders, who claim these strikes violate international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting civilian infrastructure and non-combatants. Rights groups allege that Turkey’s attacks are calculated actions intended to instil fear and suffering among civilians, with deliberate strikes on resources essential for survival. They are calling for immediate international scrutiny and intervention to prevent further loss of life and to hold Turkey accountable.
Local authorities emphasise that Turkey’s airstrikes have a severe impact on basic living conditions, with critical infrastructure repeatedly disabled. Civilian casualties are rising, and essential resources are in perilously short supply. In response, AANES officials are urging the international community to pressure Turkey to halt the attacks and allow for the restoration of critical services in the affected areas. They warn that if left unchecked, the current escalation could plunge the region into further instability and suffering.
Daily summary reports from Turkey’s 3-day latest airstrike campaign have also been published in German and Italian on RIC’s website. pic.twitter.com/T5r4o7Lu7k
— Rojava Information Center (@RojavaIC) October 28, 2024
The latest strikes continue a pattern of Turkish offensives in the region, following large-scale air campaigns in December and January, which also targeted power stations, grain silos, and mills. These operations have left millions enduring power cuts, fuel shortages, and limited access to essentials. Local humanitarian groups and regional leaders are sounding the alarm over the severe consequences of Turkey’s ongoing attacks, urging immediate global intervention to protect civilians and avert a worsening humanitarian crisis.
