The genocidal attacks of the invading Turkish state and its mercenaries against the people of Afrin continue. Since the occupation of Afrin on January 20, 2018, the Turkish army and its mercenaries have carried out several massacres, including those in the Mehmudi and Avrin hospitals, which left dozens of women and children dead.

Because of the Turkish onslaught, occupation and crimes, thousands of Afrin residents migrated to the neighboring canton of Shehba where they continue their resistance to return home.

The massacres and crimes committed by the invading Turkish state and its mercenaries continued in Shehba as well. In 2019, a massacre was committed against children in Til Rifet. A following massacre was perpetrated in the village of Aqibe.

Afrin women who migrated to Shehba spoke to ANHA about the atrocities of the invaders against the people of Afrin and the silence of the international community. The women vowed that they will continue to resist until Afrin is liberated.

'THEY ARE TRYING TO INTIMIDATE US'

Meryem Omer, originally from the district of Mabeta and currently residing in Til Rifet, said that the world public opinion witnessed but ignored the crimes committed by the invading Turkish state against the people of Afrin. She added that these crimes were tolerated since the occupying forces were partners to Turkey's crimes.

Meryem Omer noted that the invading Turkish army killed 8 children and 2 elderly locals three years ago and a similar massacre was recently carried out in Heseke where an aerial bombardment targeted an UN-sponsored girls’ education center and killed four children and injured eleven others. “They are trying to intimidate and intimidate us through these crimes. Turkey, however, will not achieve its goals. We will resist until we liberate Afrin and return."

'RUSSIA IS PRESENT IN THE REGION FOR ITS OWN INTERESTS'

A woman named Hena Mihemed condemned the international community's silence towards the crimes committed by the invading Turkish state. “There are many Russian bases in Til Rifet. Russia has claimed to be protecting the region since 2015. However, its indifference to Turkish crimes against children and women proves that Russia is in the region for its own interests,” she said.

Mihemed called on women from Afrin to join the resistance against Turkish occupation and the crimes committed by its mercenaries.

'INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD FULFILL ITS OBLIGATIONS'

Another woman named Emel Osman called on the United Nations and human rights organizations to fulfil their duties concerning the people of Afrin. “The weapons and crimes of the Turkish state do not frighten us. We will remain committed to resistance until we return to Afrin,” Osman said.