Father sacrifices life to shield son in Turkish airstrike in NE Syria

By Hawar Hebbo

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Amidst a scene of chaos and devastation, shrapnel fragments lay scattered, walls stood cracked, and the air was filled with the haunting echoes of screams. Ali al-Eleiwi found himself thrust into a heart-wrenching tragedy, as he cradled his gravely injured older brother and nephew on the floor.

Al-Eleiwi’s family severely affected by Turkey’s recent escalation, as Muhammad al-Eleiwi, Ali’s brother, was killed, and his young son, Motasem, was injured, while standing at the doorstep of their house.

From Oct.5 to 9, Turkey attacked 104 sites in northern and northeastern Syria, including vital infrastructure such as power, gas, and water stations and educational facilities, with more than 580 air and ground strikes.

On Oct. 5, the Turkish forces targeted the oil stations in the village of Gerdahol in the countryside of Tirbe Spiyeh (al-Qahtaniya), northeast Syria. The attack, carried out by both drones and warplanes, resulted in significant destruction, with shrapnel spreading throughout the area. One of the affected structures was the home of Muhammad, located in close proximity to the station, at a distance of no more than 400 meters.

Hard Time

The young boy endured a difficult period, unable to recollect any details of the incident, especially after the tragic loss of his father who valiantly tried to shield him, from the aerial attack by pushing him away from the room’s entrance to avoid the shrapnel fragments.

Muhammad saved his son from the shrapnel with his own body, but the boy still suffered minor injuries, however some fragments found their way into his eyes, face, and body. However, the father was killed.

The health condition of Motasem seems semi-stable after being taken to Damascus and undergoing eye lens implantation. However, he has not forgotten the echoes of the thunderous sound of the airstrike that rack the walls of their home.

Despite not being able to recall all the details, Motasem recounts some aspects to North Press, saying, “As I heard the sound of the bombing, I opened the door of the house to see what was happening. I quickly saw my father at the door, protecting me from the fragments that were falling like rain.”

The family experienced fear and terror, with the children unable to sleep for several days. The sounds of the aircraft continue to reverberate in their minds, and the image of their father remains etched in everyone’s minds.

“Devastating Shock”

Muhammad, a 50-year-old resident of the village of Tirbe Spiyeh (al-Qahtaniya) in the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria, resided with his family, which includes five brothers, five sisters, his mother, wife, four daughters, and three sons.

Ali describes the harrowing scene of the Turkish attack and the atrocities they endured, including being subjected to a shower of deadly projectiles.

Ali told North Press, “When the Turkish aircraft targeted the location, we experienced a moment akin to a devastating earthquake. The entire area was enveloped in a thick cloud of dust, and the walls cracked under the impact.”

Ali stepped outside to see what happened, and suddenly, as the dust settled, he said, “I witnessed the distressing sight of my brother Muhammad, bearing the scars of multiple shrapnel injuries across his entire body. I lifted him with both hands, only to discover his son Motasem passed out at the door of the room.”

He said, “Due to the strike, my ailing mother fell to the ground, and everyone was shocked. The security forces at the nearby checkpoint came to us and contacted the ambulance and emergency services.”

Immediately, Ali realized that he had lost his brother, as he had sustained severe head injuries. However, Motasem was in need of urgent medical attention.

“We managed to save Motasem, but I grieve the loss of my brother who stood by my side in every life circumstance. Together, we opened an herbal medicine store in the city center.”

Ali added, “Due to Turkey, the region has become unsafe. It is very hard for anyone to live and work, as shells and projectiles rain down upon their families. Our children are growing up amidst the sights of bloodshed, the sounds of explosions, and shelling.”

Turkey targeted 264 sites in northeastern Syria within ten days, according to the Monitoring and Documentation Department of North Press.

The targeted sites included 29 infrastructure locations, 185 residential sites, and 38 military sites, including 25 of the  government forces. furthermore, seven agricultural lands, three industrial facilities, a school, and a hospital were also among the targeted locations, as reported by the Monitoring and Documentation Department of North Press.

These sites were subjected to a total of 356 strikes, including 267 artillery and heavy weapon strikes, 25 airstrikes, and 64 strikes by drones.

During the ten days of the Turkish escalation, nine civilians were killed, 15 others were injured, while 39 military personnel were killed and 34 others were injured.