Residents Protest Turkish Attacks Outside Coalition Base in Syria’s Hasakah
By Kardo Roj
HASAKAH, SYRIA (North Press) – Hundreds of residents from Hasakah in northeast Syria gathered on Monday outside a coalition military base in the city’s Ghuweiran neighborhood to protest ongoing Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam and civilian targets.
During the demonstration, protesters called on the U.S.-led Global Coalition to intervene and stop the Turkish aggression, which has escalated over the past 40 days. The Tishreen Dam, a strategic water and power source for the region, has been a focal point of Turkey’s recent military campaign in northeast Syria.
The demonstrators held banners condemning civilian casualties and demanding the imposition of a no-fly zone over the region to protect the dam and its surrounding areas.
As part of the protest, a delegation of local representatives delivered a written message to coalition leaders stationed at the base, urging them to take concrete measures to halt Turkish attacks.
“Our Voices Must Be Heard”
Ramadan Fattah, a member of the delegation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that residents from all communities in Hasakah united to send a clear message to the coalition.
“Turkey has been attacking the Tishreen Dam for over 40 days. This dam is vital for the entire region of northeast Syria, and Turkey’s goal is to seize control of it,” Fattah said.
He warned that the continued attacks put the dam in jeopardy, threatening essential water and electricity supplies for millions of people.
“Our message to the coalition is simple: stop these attacks, prevent massacres against innocent civilians, journalists, and artists who are striving to protect this dam. The coalition has forces on the ground, and it’s their responsibility to intervene against such violations,” Fattah added.
Coalition’s Response
According to Fattah, coalition leaders provided a positive response to the protesters’ demands. “They assured us that they would address our concerns soon and expressed optimism about the future of the region,” he said.
The protest reflects mounting frustration among residents of northeast Syria, who have borne the brunt of Turkey’s intensified military operations targeting key infrastructure and civilian areas. The Tishreen Dam, situated along the Euphrates River, is particularly critical as it provides electricity and irrigation to large parts of the region.
Regional Tensions Escalate
Turkey’s military escalation in northeast Syria has drawn widespread condemnation from local authorities and rights organizations. Ankara claims its operations are aimed at neutralizing groups linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization. However, these actions have resulted in civilian casualties and displacement, as well as significant damage to infrastructure.
The Tishreen Dam, constructed in the 1990s, is not only vital for power generation but also serves as a symbol of stability in a region devastated by years of conflict. The dam’s potential destabilization has raised fears of a humanitarian and ecological crisis.
The ongoing hostilities and the lack of a definitive international response have left local populations feeling increasingly vulnerable.
As tensions persist, the residents of Hasakah hope their protest will prompt the coalition to take decisive action against Turkey’s incursions and protect the region’s vital resources.