The occupying Turkish state reduces water flow of the Euphrates River towards North and East Syria. Agriculture, the economy of the region, and electricity production are affected in a negative way.

'AGRICULTURE IS AFFECTED NEGATIVELY'

"The Euphrates River is the only resource for the agricultural area in the region," said Agricultural Engineer Mehmûd El-Îsa, pointing out that the water cut has a negative impact on agriculture. "The variety and amount of products in agriculture are decreasing. With the embargo of the government of Damascus, there has been a high increase in vegetable prices".

‘COSTS ARE INCREASING’

El-Îsa said that the decrease in water flow has increased the expenses of the farmers. “There has been a change in the irrigation hours. Since electricity is cut off, generators are used more. This causes more diesel to be used," he added.

"TURKISH STATE IS VIOLATING THE AGREEMENT"

Meha Haj Elî, co-president of Manbij Electricity Administration, said, “The Turkish state has not cut the water flow for the first time. It had pursued similar policies before. Agricultural lands are drying up for this reason”.

“Previously, electricity was given for 10 hours a day. However, they dropped it to 3 hours a day. When the water flow is cut, electricity generators cannot function properly. The Turkish state does not comply with the agreement signed in 1987. It has to release 500 cubic meters of water per second, which it does not.”

'WATER FLOW AS A BLACKMAIL'

Hac Eli claims that the Turkish state uses the Euphrates water as a political blackmail. “The Turkish state seeks to control the cities of Manbij, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor where the Euphrates River flows. These three cities have strategic importance.  The Turkish state uses water for his political interests."