One of the areas occupied by Turkey in northern Syria is the region of Girê Spî (Tal Abyad). The formerly multicultural, self-governing region was occupied by Turkey in October 2019 and has been controlled by the Turkish intelligence service and jihadist mercenaries since. According to the Girê Spî Cantol Council, more than 100,000 people had to flee the region after the Turkish invasion. People loyal to the Turkish regime are resettled in their place as the Turkish state is pursuing an intensive settlement policy, systematically expelling the Kurdish population from the occupied areas. According to reports, more than 22,000 refugees have been deported into the occupied Girê Spî Canton since the Turkish authorities announced in early April 2022 that one million refugees would be deported to the occupied areas of Syria.

The Autonomous Administation of the Euphrates Region in North-East Syria made a statement marking the 4th anniversary of the occupation of Gire Spi by the Turkish state and allied mercenaries.

The press statement was read by Narîn Zade, Chair of the Autonomous Administration Women’s Committee, at the Free Woman Square in Kobanê.

The statement pointed out that the struggle would continue at all levels to ensure that the occupied territories are freed and the perpetrators of crimes against humanity are brought to justice.

Referring to the increasingly ongoing attacks of the Turkish state against the North-East Syrian regions, the statement said that international powers were serving Turkey’s repressive policies by remaining silent in the face of these attacks and crimes.

The Autonomous Administration of the Euphrates Region vowed that the struggle would continue to protect the gains made so far and to liberate the regions held by the occupation forces.