11/15/2021 Syria (International Christian Concern) – Syrians fear a looming new offensive by Turkey and its mercenaries in the northeast autonomous Kurdish region of Rojava. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reported the “provocative mobilization” of Turkish-backed forces, while Turkish President Erdogan has also stated that he has “no patience” for the Kurdish forces.
Some 15 villages between Tel Tamer and Ain Issa have been cleared out and evacuated because of Turkish offensives. More residents will face displacement if a new bombardment is launched, with civilians losing their homes and sources of food. Many of the affected villages are historically Assyrian, though regional turmoil has threatened to drive out the Christian minority.
According to the media center head of the SDF, “Hundreds of mercenaries accompanied by Turkish occupation soldiers and armored vehicles have been stationed at several junction points… and they have tried many times to provoke our forces” on November 9. Erdogan said earlier in November that Turkey can “spare no effort in our fight against terrorist groups” and will carry out cross-border operations “whenever necessary”. Turkey considers the SDF a branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and a threat to national security, seeking to eradicate the group at home, in Syria, and in Iraq.
