The attacks by gangs affiliated with the Turkish state in Northern and Eastern Syria continue, causing thousands of people to flee from the Afrin-Shehba Canton. After the occupation of Afrin by the Turkish state in 2018, the people who fled the city of Afrin migrated to Shehba and continued their lives there.

After the attack by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham gangs on the city of Aleppo last week, the gangs of the Turkish state attacked Shehba, forcing thousands to flee again.

The people fled to the safe areas controlled by the Democratic Autonomous Administration. They were first hosted in Tabqa and then distributed to all cantons. Hundreds of families were hosted in Kobanê. Hundreds of houses were used for the refugees fleeing from Afrin and Shehba. Many people also started an aid campaign. In addition, the bakery is distributing free bread to the refugees.

Afrin will be liberated like Kobanê

Ehmed Mistefa Hebeş, who was displaced from Serdem Camp, said that they took the path of resistance against the gangs that wanted to destroy them, and added: "We left Shehba via the human corridor. Buses were prepared for those who did not have vehicles. After reaching Raqqa, we wanted to go to Kobanê. Our only solution is to return to Afrin. Afrin is our life. Just as Kobanê was liberated, Afrin will be liberated as well."

We are mobilizing for our people

Tents were put up in Martyr Egîd Square for those coming from Shehba. The people of Kobanê provided aid to ensure the refugees with vital needs such as money, blankets, pillows.

Narin Müslim, co-chair of the Fırat Canton Teachers' Union, and a member of the Aid Commission, told ANF: "The occupying Turkish state is targeting the will of the people with these attacks. Kurdish people are united. We will not allow the plans of the Turkish state to succeed. We, the people of Kobanê, have launched an aid campaign. We take the names of the families, collect what they need and give it to them. The people of Kobanê will unite with the people of Afrin-Shehba and mobilize for them."

A child named Niman Bozan, who participated in the aid campaign, said that she helped her people and added: "I help the children. As a child, I wanted to help my people. They are our refugees and we will help them. I help my friends with the pocket money my family gave me for school."

A health center was established in the village of Gulmit, where some refugee families were settled. Cardiologist Şêxo Mistefa said: "All the doctors said that they would meet the health needs of our refugees free of charge. Many heart patients came here. Sick children were also treated. We will help our people with all our resources."