More reports are coming through of crimes committed by the Turkish army and allied mercenaries in the regions they have occupied in North-East Syria in violation of international law. Bombing of civilian settlements, murder, torture, and abduction have become routine in the occupied areas.

According to reports from the ground, residents of the Girê Spî (Tal Abyad) Canton in northern Syria, which has been occupied by the Turkish army and allied gangs since October 2019, took to the streets yesterday, January 7, in protest at the worsening living conditions, high electricity prices, the heating problem and the ever-increasing illegalities. The occupation forces attempted to attack the demonstration.

On the other hand, Turkish-backed mercenaries have kidnapped 6 people who took part in the protest, on the grounds that they opposed the local council and the governor.

The Turkish state has established a regime of terror in the territories it has invaded together with jihadist groups under its control. Crimes such as kidnapping, execution, torture, plundering and forced migration have become a daily routine and war crimes are systematically committed, especially in the canton of Afrin, which has been occupied since March 2018.

Kidnappings of civilians are part of the daily routine. In most cases, a ransom is demanded for their release. In recent years, thousands of people have been kidnapped and tortured. Some have been executed, the fate of others is unknown.