Turkey-Backed Forces Plunge Kobani into Crisis: No Water, No Electricity Amid Ongoing Attacks
By Kardo Roj
KOBANI, Syria (North Press) – Residents of Kobani in northern Syria have been left without water and electricity for four days following an attack by Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces on Tishreen Dam, located south of the town of Sirrin, officials said on Saturday.
The ongoing strikes, which have targeted critical infrastructure, have prompted fears of a partial collapse of Tishreen Dam, the second-largest hydroelectric station in Syria, situated 20 kilometers southeast of Manbij.
Infrastructure Devastation
Zozan Khalil, co-chair of Kobani’s Water Directorate, said the damage to Tishreen Dam has resulted in a total power outage, crippling water pumping operations at Kobani’s filtration plant.
“We attempted to use generators along the Euphrates River to pump water, but continuous shelling by Turkish-backed forces on the opposite bank prevents safe access to the site,” Khalil told North Press.
As a temporary measure, authorities are sourcing water from agricultural wells in nearby villages. Khalil explained:
“We drew water from two wells in Qara Qawi and sent it to the Radio Station plant. On the Halinj road, two other wells are providing limited supply to two neighborhoods in the city.”
However, these efforts fall short of meeting the needs of the city’s population, forcing many residents to rely on water tankers, creating a dire scarcity in supply.
Appeals to Protect Tishreen Dam
Workers at Tishreen Dam have issued urgent calls for protection, warning of catastrophic consequences if attacks continue. The dam is a critical source of electricity for northern Syria, second only to the Euphrates Dam in Tabqa.
The co-chair of the Energy Authority in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) had earlier warned of structural vulnerabilities due to repeated shelling, which could lead to partial collapse.
“The dam is not just an energy lifeline—it’s vital to the survival of communities that rely on its water supply. Its collapse would have devastating consequences for the entire region,” the official said.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The attacks on Kobani’s water infrastructure come amid broader escalations by Turkey-backed forces targeting Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Syria. Recent shelling has disrupted everyday life, and basic needs such as water and electricity are increasingly scarce.
A North Press correspondent reported that the water shortage has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Kobani, with many residents unable to afford the steep cost of tanker-delivered water.
Local resident Ahmed shared his plight:
“We have no choice but to buy water from tankers, but the prices are rising every day. Many families simply can’t afford it.”
International Reaction Needed
The ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure in northern Syria have drawn condemnation from local officials and humanitarian organizations. AANES has called on the international community to intervene and pressure Turkey and its allied factions to cease targeting civilian and public facilities.
With Tishreen Dam at risk of further damage, Khalil emphasized the urgency of action:
“We need immediate protection for the dam and support to repair the damages. If these attacks continue, the entire region will face a disaster.”
Escalating Tensions in Northern Syria
The attacks on Kobani’s infrastructure are part of broader hostilities in northern Syria, where Turkey-backed forces have escalated military operations against Kurdish-controlled regions. These offensives come amidst increasing geopolitical tensions, further complicating efforts to stabilize the war-torn country.