Settlers in Syria’s Afrin cut down hundreds of trees
AFRIN, Syria (North Press) – In recent days, settlers affiliated with Turkish-backed Syrian armed factions who have been residing in Afrin region, northwestern #Syria, since 2018, cut down hundreds of trees, local sources told North Press on Thursday.
The sources described the process as large-scale deforestation carried out with apparent impunity under the watch of Turkish-backed authorities.
The sources added that dozens of pine trees were felled by individuals in the village of Qatma in the Sharran subdistrict of Afrin.
The deforestation reportedly covered a broad area of woodland stretching across the northern and western outskirts of Qatma.
The tree cutting is described as indiscriminate and extensive, targeting forested areas critical to the region’s environmental balance.
The sources further alleged that the logging was conducted openly and without fear of repercussions, citing deliberate inaction by the military outpost of a Turkish-backed faction tasked with the village’s security.