MSDThe world is striving to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East, and calls to avoid further deterioration due to the ongoing escalation are increasing. At the same time, regions in NE Syria are witnessing the continued and systematic attacks by Turkey targeting the economic and vital infrastructure. At dawn on October 24, 2024, the Turkish army launched a brutal attack on critical infrastructure sites in NE Syria, causing significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. This targeting of the basic resources of the population has been the fourth instance since October 2022. It has aimed to undermine the local economy and deepen the suffering of civilians, who have remained steadfast for over a decade amidst the Syrian crisis. Also, these attacks seek to undermine the aspirations of Syrians to live in peace, stability, and a dignified life.
Turkish attacks deliberately target essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and fuel.
The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) strongly condemns the ongoing Turkish aggression on regions in NE Syria, specifically denouncing the repeated attacks on vital infrastructure.
The SDC also condemns the Turkey’s hostile policies which aim to displace the Syrian people and force them to flee their homes. Turkey’s ultimate goal is to solidify its occupation of northern Syria.
The SDC asserts that Turkey’s targeting of these critical infrastructure is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions. The SDC urges the United Nations, international organizations, the Human Rights Council, and the European Union to condemn these actions and hold Turkey accountable.
The SDC also appeals to the United States and the Russian Federation to uphold the October 2019 ceasefire agreements, compelling Turkey to cease its aggression in NE Syria. Additionally, it also calls upon the UN Security Council and the Arab League to exert maximum pressure on Turkey to halt its violations of Syria’s sovereignty and against its citizens. Turkey must adhere to international law and cease its expansionist policies in Syria.
Moreover, the SDC assures the international community of its commitment to seeking just and peaceful resolutions to Syria’s national issues. It also emphasizes full respect for the sovereignty of neighboring states.
We, as members of the SDC, firmly reject any violation of our country’s sovereignty. Furthermore, we affirm that every nation has the right to manage its internal affairs in accordance with its national interests. We also call for the rights of all peoples to be respected in accordance with international laws and human rights standards.
We also believe that the intra-Syrian dialogue is the optimal path to resolve all issues in Syria, ensuring stability and justice for all parties.
Therefore, the SDC calls upon Turkey to immediately cease its military aggression and attacks on civilian populations in NE Syria. Additionally, it urges Turkey to end its occupation of Syrian territories, respect Syria’s sovereignty, and seek solutions to its internal issues without involving Syrians in its crises.
October 24, 2024
Syrian Democratic Council
