Since Assad’s Fall, Turkish Strikes Kill 16 Civilians, Including 9 Children, in Northeast Syria

By Kardo Roj

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rapid shift in power dynamics across Syria, Turkish airstrikes have escalated in intensity, killing 16 civilians, including nine children, in northeast Syria, according to a report by the Synergy Association for Victims on Monday. The attacks have left a trail of destruction, amplifying fears among the region’s residents and drawing calls for international intervention.

Devastating Drone Strike in Ain Issa

On Sunday evening, as opposition forces celebrated the capture of Damascus and Assad’s ousting, a Turkish drone struck the village of Al-Mastariha in Ain Issa, north of Raqqa. The strike claimed the lives of 12 civilians, including six children, and injured several others, according to Synergy’s findings.

Continued Violence in Kobani and Zirgan

On Monday, Turkish shelling targeted additional areas, including Kobani’s countryside and the town of Zirgan (Abu Rasin). These attacks killed four more civilians, among them three children, and wounded four others. The escalation of violence highlights the increased vulnerability of civilians in the region since the regime’s collapse.

Evidence of Systematic Targeting

The Synergy Association for Victims has meticulously documented these incidents, verifying the identities of the victims and gathering visual evidence of the atrocities. This material is being stored in its databases to bolster efforts for accountability and justice.

“These attacks emphasize the continued systematic violence against civilians, further exacerbating the suffering of the region’s residents and increasing forced displacement,” the report stated.

Regional Instability Post-Assad

Since the dramatic fall of the Assad regime, northeast Syria has faced heightened instability. Turkey’s military operations, long targeting Kurdish-led groups such as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have intensified. While Turkey claims its actions are necessary for national security, the strikes have indiscriminately affected civilians, including vulnerable groups like women and children.

International Call to Action

The Synergy Association has issued an urgent appeal for the international community to intervene, emphasizing the immediate need to protect civilians and ensure adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“The escalation of violence, particularly against vulnerable groups, such as children, demands urgent international action to halt these violations and hold those responsible accountable,” the organization stressed in its report.

Background on Turkey’s Operations

Turkey’s military campaigns in Syria have historically aimed to create a buffer zone along its southern border. However, these operations have drawn widespread criticism for their humanitarian cost, including forced displacement and significant civilian casualties. The power vacuum created by Assad’s removal has further emboldened Turkey’s actions, complicating efforts to stabilize the region.

The Human Toll

The report by Synergy sheds light on the devastating impact of Turkish operations:

• Ain Issa: A Turkish drone strike killed 12 civilians, including six children, and left multiple others injured.
• Zirgan and Kobani: Shelling claimed four lives, including three children, and injured four civilians.

Urgent Need for Accountability

Human rights advocates argue that the international community must prioritize the safety of Syrian civilians amid ongoing power shifts. The current escalation underscores the urgency of addressing systematic violence and protecting the most vulnerable populations.