The Turkish state has been trying to change the demographics of Shehba since its invasion of the region on 24 August, 2016. As part of this plan, Turkey is forcibly displacing thousands of local people and settling the refugees in Weir neighborhood of Homs in their place.

Shehba Council released a statement providing information about the Turkish state's acts in the areas it has invaded in Shehba region of Rojava.

The Shehba Council stated that the Turkish state has burned down 80 Kurdish villages and forcibly displaced the inhabitants in these areas while it abducted several other locals, and continued:

“The Turkish state seems to have forgotten that the people of the region fought against the Ottomans for 400 years. Turkey will not achieve its goal, SDF forces will respond to them. SDF forces have defended and liberated the region so far and they will continue to do the same.

The Turkish forces deployed in Mari town and Azaz city are targeting the villages of Shehba, which are; Til Rifet, Eyîn Deqnê, Hirbil, Um Huş, Um Qura, Til Çêçan, Hisaçik, El-Wehşiyê, El-Sed, El-Hêsa, Til Medîq, Qiramil, El-Nêrebiyê, Şêx Îsa, Fafîn and Ehres.

We as the Syrian people must protect and free our lands from invasion and not let foreigners be among us. We call on our brothers and sisters in Mari and Azaz to stand against Turkish invasion. It is time to stand in unity and solidarity against invasion.”