On October 23rd 2024, the people of Northeast Syria endured another night of terror as Turkish airstrikes pounded civilian and military targets in the region.
The Turkish military and the Turkish MIT intelligence agency conducted dozens of strikes on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, striking 42 different sites across the northeast region of Syria. The attacks caused the deaths of 14 civilians and injured over 40 people. Bakeries, medical facilities, power plants, oil fields, and gas plants were struck. No attacks against Turkish territory have ever originated from areas governed by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
Many of the sites that Turkey attacked had been recently repaired following the Turkish air bombardments of October and December 2023, and are essential to day to day life for civilians of Northeast Syria. The economic situation in the region was precarious prior to the attacks, however, it is expected that the Administration’s ability to provide basic services will become even more strained following the most recent wave of strikes.
The strikes were condemned by the leadership of both the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Both called upon the international community, especially their US partners, to hold Turkey accountable and prevent further attacks on the region, while also stressing their continuing commitment and openness to dialogue with Turkey.
