The Defense Committee of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria released a statement on Tuesday’s deadly attack in the Turkish-occupied Afrin city which claimed the lives of dozens of people, including civilians and children.

The Committee recalled that the Syrian Democratic Forces currently focused on the battle against coronavirus and remained committed to the global ceasefire implemented in times of pandemic.

The Turkish state, however, seeks to take advantage of the coronavirus emergency and continues its hostilities against northern Syria, said the Defense Committee and noted that the latest attacks have repeatedly targeted the areas of Shehba and Kobane.

The Committee also denounced crimes by Turkish-backed mercenaries who are killing each other over their internal conflicts, as well as plundering and stealing the civilians' properties in Afrin territory and changing the demographic structure of the region. The Committee called on the international community to do their part to stop this.

Condemning the terrorist acts that target civilians in occupied areas, the Committee pointed out that the Turkish state is responsible for these crimes and endangers, together with allied mercenaries, the future of Syria and its people.

The Defense Committee added: “The presence of the Turkish state as an occupant force in Syria is totally incompatible with efforts to achieve security and stability in the country. Therefore, all those who seek to achieve security in Syria should manifest their responsible stances towards Turkey’s role and actions, highlight the necessity for the leave of Turkish troops and an end to Turkish occupation.”

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