Occupation attacks on Ain Issa region continue

The Turkish army and jihadist mercenaries have intensified their attacks on northern Syria in recent months in violation of so-called ceasefire agreements and international law.

The occupant Turkish army and allied mercenaries continue their attacks on the northern Syrian district of Ain Issa. The occupation forces have launched another wave of attacks Tuesday evening.

According to the reports from the ground, the aggression is targeting the village of Misherfa, M4 highway, wheat silos and Ain Issa.

Further details about the extent and results of the attack were not immediately available.

BACKGROUND

Over the past two months, attacks by the invading Turkish forces on Ain Issa have continued to increase. On November 23, 2020 began the ground attacks by the Turkish army and its mercenaries from the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA) on the self-governing northern Syrian county of Ain Issa, in addition to artillery attacks. Russia and Damascus have not only watched but tried to put pressure on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Ain Issa lies south of the Turkish occupation zone and is strategically important as a link between the self-governing regions of Euphrates and Cizire. The attacks are apparently aimed at wearing down the population and driving them to flee before the actual invasion. Many people have already left the town to bring themselves and their children to safety. However, there is no security in other areas in the autonomous region. The reception camps for displaced persons are overcrowded, and the supply situation is precarious. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria receives almost no external support.

Ain Issa was the administrative center of the autonomous areas until the Turkish invasion in autumn 2019 and is the link between Aleppo, Hesekê, Deir ez-Zor, Kobanê and Manbij. Constant artillery attacks on the locality have been taking place since November. The permanent attacks on the region are intended to wear down the Autonomous Administration and force it to hand over the strategically important town. From Ain Issa, not only the Syrian east-west axis can be controlled, but also the M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border 30 kilometers away.