AANES urges international community to stop attacks near Tishrin Dam
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) urged on Saturday the international community to pressure Turkey to halt its attacks on the Tishrin Dam in the countryside of Manbij, northern Syria, warning of a potential collapse if the assaults continue.
In an official statement, the AANES emphasized that since Dec. 8, 2024, Turkish-backed armed factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA) have persistently targeted the Tishrin Dam and its surroundings using Turkish warplanes.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, areas in rural Manbij have faced repeated Turkish attacks and shelling by Turkish-backed SNA factions, with the Tishrin Dam becoming a key target.
AANES officials have issued near-daily warnings about the dam’s deteriorating condition due to ongoing bombardment.
The statement called for immediate international intervention to pressure Turkey into halting its “aggressive actions,” ensuring the safety of civilians and the protection of critical infrastructure. It also called for a comprehensive ceasefire across Syrian territory to foster peace and stability.
The AANES warned that any further attacks on the Tishrin Dam could have catastrophic consequences, including widespread flooding, significant loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and severe environmental damage.
Earlier January, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) also raised alarms about the dam’s potential collapse due to continued Turkish strikes.
The AANES’ statement highlighted the broader ramifications of such an event, stating that the collapse of the Tishrin Dam would not only devastate the local population but also severely impact the region’s infrastructure, public services, and private property.