Militias affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government (al-Amshad, al-Hamzad, Sultan Murad, and Nureddin El-Zengi) have been attacking the Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyahin Alepppo since January 6. Internal Security Forces are resisting the attacks.
Speaking about the situation in the two neighborhoods and the people’s resistance to the systematic bombardment, Hêvîn Sîlêman, Co-Chair of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah Neighborhood Council, stated that the militias were primarily targeting basic infrastructure and civilians.
10 civilians killed, over 56 injured
Hêvin Sîlêman said, “Groups affiliated with the Transitional Government’s Ministry of Defense are carrying out ruthless attacks on two small neighborhoods with heavy weapons and mortar shells, directly targeting civilians; 10 people were martyred and more than 56 were injured in these attacks so far, and the bombardment continues.”
Electricity generators and water lines targeted
Hevin Sîlêman continued: “Attacks have intensified since last night and are directed against the daily needs of residents in the area, including electricity generators and main water lines. The neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah are under constant bombardment. Some people have been forced to leave the neighborhood with their children due to the intense bombardment.”
Resistance will continue on all fronts
Stating that the people support the Internal Security Forces against the attacks, Hêvin Silêman said, “The Internal Security Forces are preventing the mercenaries from advancing and thwarting their plans. Our people are with our fighters, and victory will be ours. We will continue our resistance on all fronts.”
Hêvin Silêman remarked that the Internal Security Forces, who currently defend both neighborhoods, have been protecting the residents of the region for 14 years, noting that public support for the forces will ensure success.
Call for solidarity and international action
Hêvin Silêman called on the peoples of North and East Syria, North and South Kurdistan, Europe, and everyone who supports peace and democracy to take to the streets to support the resistance and condemn the brutal attacks against civilians.
Hêvin Silêman stated that attacks against civilians constitute war crimes and called on international organizations to intervene to stop the bloodshed.