Turkish troops have staged a crackdown on artists who formed a human chain at Suruç-Kobanê border today. Real bullets were used in the brutal attack which left four people, including two artists, wounded.

Artists affiliated to the Initiative for Free Art have for the last 2 days been joining the vigil in the village of Boydê bordering Kobanê in solidarity with the ongoing resistance at both sides of the border against ISIS gangs continuing their attacks on the besieged town.

Artists forming a human chain were also welcomed and supported by the people at both sides of the border, and by YPG/YPJ fighters deployed on the Tilşeîr Hill overlooking their area who accompanied their slogans “Bijî Berxwedana YPG/YPJ” [Long live YPG/YPJ resistance] and “Bijî Serok Apo” [Long live Leader Apo].

Turkish troops deployed at the border attacked the mass as Ferhat Tunç made a statement on behalf of the artists. Soldiers have reportedly fired intense tear gas and real bullets on the mass, while also spreading the crackdown to the other side of the border.

Four people who sustained an injury in the crackdown have been taken to hospital while many others have been severely affected by the intense tear gas.

Soldiers are reported to have fired tear gas and real bullets on the people at the other side of the border as well.