Turkey occupies Syria, expands under pretext of counterterrorism: Circassians of Manbij
MANBIJ, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, Circassians of the city of Manbij condemned the latest Turkish bombing operations on the countryside of the city considering them to be “a new occupation attempt of some Syrian regions and the displacement of their residents.
Riwayda Suliman, a Circassian from Manbij, said that the goal of Turkey behind the recent escalation is to “strike the safety and stability in Manbij and spread terror in the hearts of the armless citizens.”
Most Circassians in Syria are descended from those who were subjected to forced migration to the Ottoman Empire after a Russian invasion of their homeland in eastern Europe in the middle of the 19th century.
For a week, Turkey and Turkish-backed armed groups have been targeting the northern countryside of Manbij on an almost daily basis with various types of heavy and medium weapons.
Turkey justifies its military operations “by pretending it is fighting terrorism and returning the regions to their indigenous owners,” Suliman added.
“Everyone knows that the areas controlled by Turkey have become safe havens for terrorists,” the best example of which is Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) and Tel Abyad, she pointed out.
Despite the diversity of Manbij’s community and Turkey’s attempt to “create an internal rift between them, it has failed, to begin with the military escalation,” she added.
Ismael Adham, a Circassian from Manbij, said “we, in northeast Syria, are already liberated and we don’t need anyone to liberate us.”
“Their purpose is clear; they came to occupy this country and took all the wealth it has in cooperation with the armed groups,” he added.
“The one who wants to liberate does not kill civilians or destroy their houses indiscriminately. The recent Turkish attack has not excluded any elderly person, child, or woman,” he referred.
“I have contacts with many friends who live in the areas of engagement, and they are in a state of terror and fear of sudden death by Turkish shells,” he pointed out.
“Why humanitarian organizations have not intervened until now to stop the Turkish bombing of armless residents and put an end to Turkish violations in the region,” he wondered.
On Monday, both al-Hoshariya and al-Jat, north of Manbij, were targeted by Turkish forces and the Turkish-backed armed groups with 19 shells, damaging civilians houses and causing displacement.