A part of the northern Syrian town of Zirgan has been occupied by Turkey. In addition to the constant attacks by the occupying forces, the economic crisis has been exacerbated by the US sanctions in Syria. The people cannot cover their everyday needs.
In North and East Syria, the US sanctions imposed against the Syrian regime are becoming increasingly noticeable. In some areas, in addition to the effects of the economic embargo, the constant attacks by the Turkish army and its Islamist proxies are making people's lives more difficult.
The regions around the occupied cities of Serêkaniyê (Ras al-Ain) and Girê Spî (Tal Abyad) are particularly affected. The town of Zirgan is located 23 kilometres east of Serêkaniyê and is subject to constant attacks. Of the 76 villages in the town, 27 have been occupied by the Turkish state. The approximately 30,000 people living in the town and the surrounding villages cannot cover their everyday needs. The supply of medicines is particularly problematic. Due to the continuing military attacks, no supplies from aid organisations are arriving.
The co-chairs of the district council, Salih Mustefa and Hebûn Xalid, have so far tried in vain to obtain help from various institutions. All of the organizations they have approached have justified their refusal with the threatening situation in the region. Only the Social Services Office of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria supports the population with essential goods. However, these are far from sufficient, say the local residents. Of the four pharmacies that used to exist in the community, only one is still open and has a sparse supply.
The economic problems in Zirgan have also been exacerbated by the occupation forces' deliberate burning of cultivated fields.
