The Turkish state launched a military offensive to take North and East Syria on October 9. The genocidal campaign, also joined by numerous ISIS/Al-Nusra remnants, was marked by grave violations and crimes. More than 478 people were killed as a result of the attacks, including women and children. While 1,700 civilians were injured, more than 300,000 were forcibly displaced.

80-year-old woman Zehra El-Casim from Serekaniye is now staying in a school building in Heseke. She complains about challenging conditions, both because of her health issues and lack of means for winter conditions.

“It is very difficult to live here in a school. I cannot stay here. I wanted to return home and I went back there but I couldn’t stay because Turkey’s gangs are committing inhumane acts against civilians. Nobody knows what else they could experience in the hands of the gangs.”

The elderly woman continued; “There was no food and bread for us in the invaded areas. There was no fuel either. People were cutting down trees to get warm. So I preferred to stay in a school here than to stay with the gangs in Serekaniye.”

Zehra El-Casim called for solidarity from international human rights organisations so that the gangs leave their lands and the IDPs can safely return home.