MSDThe Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) commemorates the sixth anniversary of the occupation of Ras al-Ain (Sere Kaniyeh) and Tel Abyad (Gere Spi) on October 9, 2019. On that day, Turkey and its affiliated Syrian factions launched a military aggression that resulted in hundreds of casualties and forced over 200,000 original residents to flee their homes. This attack stands as one of the most severe violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The occupation was accompanied by systematic abuses, including killings, arbitrary detentions, looting, property confiscation, and the imposition of a new demographic reality designed to serve Turkish agendas in northern Syria.
The fall of the previous al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the establishment of the transitional government represented a pivotal moment for the country. Syrians hoped this new phase would restore national dignity and pave the way for the safe return of displaced populations. Yet, the ongoing Turkish occupation and the continued presence of its affiliated factions in these areas place a direct national and political responsibility on the transitional government. It must act decisively to end the occupation, ensure the dignified and secure return of original residents, and restore Syria’s full sovereignty over its territories.
The ongoing violations and organized crimes in Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad, including the forced settlement of families from other regions, constitute a blatant breach of international humanitarian law. These actions aim to erase the historical identity of these cities and undermine the social fabric that has long embodied Syria’s diversity.
We, as members of the SDC, affirm that ending the Turkish occupation and the withdrawal of all affiliated factions is a national responsibility of the transitional government and a fundamental condition for the success of the transition process and the achievement of security and stability in Syria. We also stress the importance of implementing the March 10 Agreement as a national framework that ensures the country’s unity and establishes a comprehensive Syrian solution based on justice and equal citizenship.
The SDC calls on the international community to fulfill its role in halting ongoing violations and holding those responsible accountable. It also stresses the importance of ensuring the safe and voluntary return of original residents under national and international supervision. This return must guarantee the restoration of rights and a return to normal life in these areas.
As the SDC stands with all Syrians in marking this painful anniversary, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the political and peaceful struggle to end the occupation and achieve justice. Also, it remains dedicated to building a decentralized, pluralistic, and democratic Syria. Furthermore, it envisions a country where citizens’ dignity is protected and equality and rights are upheld without discrimination.
October 8, 2025
Syrian Democratic Council
