Kurdish-led SDF Holds Turkey Responsible for Catastrophic Risks to Syria’s Tishreen Dam Amid Escalation
By Kardo Roj
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday held Turkey accountable for any catastrophic consequences to Tishreen Dam in Aleppo countryside due to intensified Turkish airstrikes.
Earlier today, Turkish warplanes targeted civilians protesting near the dam south of Manbij, resulting in multiple casualties.
In a statement, the SDF revealed that “for the second consecutive day, Turkish warplanes and drones are attacking protesters at Tishreen Dam, who are demanding an end to Turkish assaults and those by its affiliated factions on the dam.”
Civilian Casualties and Dam Damage
The statement reported that six civilians lost their lives, and dozens were injured in the latest Turkish airstrike. The SDF described the attack as a “clear international crime” and condemned what they called “criminal and barbaric aggression.”
The airstrikes have also caused significant damage to the dam structure, raising concerns about the potential for widespread harm. The SDF accused Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of being directly responsible for any future catastrophic consequences to the dam and surrounding areas.
Call for Accountability and International Action
The SDF further held Turkey fully accountable for “the war crimes it continues to commit against the residents in the dam area and other regions.”
The statement called on the international community to “break its silence on Turkey’s ongoing crimes against our people, especially the recent massacres at Tishreen Dam.”
Background on Tishreen Dam and Recent Tensions
Tishreen Dam, located along the Euphrates River, is a critical infrastructure for electricity and water supply in northern Syria. Any damage to the dam could result in devastating consequences for millions of residents in the region.
The region has seen heightened tensions as Turkey continues to launch airstrikes targeting areas controlled by the SDF. The protests at Tishreen Dam are part of broader calls to end Turkish aggression in northeastern Syria.
The ongoing escalation has sparked fears of humanitarian and environmental crises, with local and international actors urging restraint and accountability.
The SDF concluded its statement by reiterating the urgent need for international pressure on Turkey to halt its military operations and avoid further loss of civilian lives and infrastructure damage.