The Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement categorically dening the claims issued by the “Ministry of Defense” in Damascus regarding preventing civilians from fleeing the city of Deir Hafer.
“We affirm that the disruption of civilian movement in the area is a result of the military escalation, troop buildup, and ongoing bombardment carried out by Damascus factions. This same entity officially acknowledged the closure of all crossings with areas of North and East Syria, as stated in a declaration issued on January 6th, thus exposing the clear contradiction in their narrative,” the statement said.
The SDF emphasized that any forced displacement of civilians under threat of force by Damascus constitutes a war crime under the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute, which prohibit targeting civilians and terrorizing them, and criminalize any acts aimed at forcibly displacing them.
The SDF called upon the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to “condemn these dangerous tactics, which could lead to the displacement of more than 170,000 civilians, especially given the harsh weather conditions.”
The statement concluded: “Today, the people of Deir Hafer demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their land and homes, and no party can take away their right to remain there under military pressure.”