The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has published an overview of the wave of Turkish attacks from 5 to October. A total of 44 people, including two children, fell victim to the more than 580 air and ground attacks by the Turkish army and its mercenary troops on the autonomous region. 55 were  wounded.

According to the information, the attacks were directed against the civilian infrastructure and destroyed eleven power plants, two clinics, 48 educational institutions for over 8,000 children and a training center for anti-drug operations. Five million people have been affected by the attacks.

Reliant on international help

The AANES representation in Germany said: “In order to ensure stability in the region, combat the causes of emigration and make a prospect for peace in Syria possible, the AANES is dependent on international help. This applies in particular to the reconstruction of the destroyed infrastructure before winter in order to ensure the survival of the population and to be able to guarantee the right to education and health care. An international effort to end the violent escalation and return to diplomacy would also be an important contribution.”

Vital facilities destroyed

The AANES statement on the attacks said: "Continuing its hostile policy and with the aim of destroying the region's economic, human and security capabilities, the occupying Turkish state attacked Kurdistan under false pretexts from October 5 to 9. Various weapons were used to destroy vital facilities and infrastructure. The aim of these attacks was to undermine the security and stability of the region and hamper AANES's development efforts. The attacks also wanted to prevent our security forces from fulfilling their defense duties and protecting our democratic project from the Islamic State and other actors.”

Final assessment of the attacks

The representatives of the AANES said: “The final assessment of the attacks offers the following picture, which we hereby present to the international public as well as relevant humanitarian and human rights organizations:

1. More than five million people were affected by the attacks on the oil sector, including gas and fuel services. In total, 17 key oil sites were attacked, including the crucial Suwaydiya power plant, which supplies all northern and eastern regions. Other power plants around Tirbespiyê, Jal Agha and Dêrik were also hit.

2. Eleven power plants were attacked, affecting more than two million people in the regions of Hesekê, Amûdê, Rimêlan, Tirbespiyê, Qamişlo, Dirbêsiyê and surrounding areas.

3. Two water facilities were damaged and 18 pumping stations were disabled in the Cizîrê region. This also affects the Alouk station, which is very important for supplying Hesekê and the surrounding area.

4. Two hospitals in Cizîrê and Kobanê regions are completely out of operation.

5. Thousands of students were harmed and had to interrupt their education due to the attacks on 48 educational institutions. Two children died as a result of the attacks, another girl was injured and lost her legs.

6. Three industrial facilities in the Cizîrê and Kobanê regions were destroyed.

7. An academy for training security forces specializing in counter-narcotics in the Rimêlan area was completely destroyed. The work of this center to protect society from this danger was stopped and protection and education programs were interrupted.

A total of 104 civil infrastructure sites have been destroyed, damaged or out of service. A total of 580 air and ground strikes were carried out from 5 to 9 October, and these attacks covered all AANES areas. During the attacks, 44 people died and 55 were injured, including civilians, children and the 29 anti-narcotics forces who died.”

All actors in Syria must take a position

The representatives of the AANES said: “At a time when we remain committed to protecting the gains of our people, combating terrorism and building a democratic experiment in a united Syria, we call on all actors in Syria, the Human Rights Council and the United Nations Security Council and civil society organizations to take a clear position.

Turkey's practices hinder our people's efforts to combat terrorism and ensure stability. They are a threat to our shared successes in the fight against ISIS, which we are leading together with the international anti-ISIS coalition. We call for a public, impartial and transparent investigation into Turkey's practices towards our region by specialized international committees.”

Turkish war crimes must not be tolerated

The two representatives added: “Turkey is committing war crimes in our region today and these crimes cannot be tolerated. The use of violence exacerbates crises. We therefore condemn anything that leads to violence and loss of life. What is happening in Gaza, including attacks on hospitals and civilian casualties, including children, is a war crime. Everyone must strive to prevent the development of violence and resolve all issues through dialogue.

Redouble reconstruction efforts

We also call on all actors who have contributed to achieving stability with us in our regions to redouble their efforts to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure, to ensure the provision of public services and improve living conditions.

Insistence on democratic self-government

These attacks, no matter how frequent they occur, reinforce our insistence on the realization of the rights of our people, which will succeed with the strength of its cohesion between the different population groups. It is important that we rely on our people's adherence to its democratic project, as well as its continued commitment to its institutions and security forces. With this awareness and commitment, we guarantee the failure of all plans aimed at our population.

We remember those who died and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Long live international understanding, long live the AANES, long live the Democratic Forces of Syria.

Self-government of North and East Syria, October 18, 2023”