The clashes between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and their allied FSA groups have intensified in the Jindirese, Shiye, Shera and Rajo districts of the Canton as a result of Turkey’s continued aerial and terrestrial offensive. It is civilians who are worst affected by these attacks.

There are also schools in the civilian residential areas targeted in the bombings. In Afrin there are a total of 318 schools, and some 50.000 students from elementary to university levels.

27 SCHOOLS TARGETED, 13 STUDENTS KILLED

In the ongoing attacks since January 20, 27 school buildings have been targeted. There are 13 students among the people who lost their lives in the fighter jet bombings.

The canton administration has had to pause all school activity due to the casualties.

Afrin Ministry of Education Committee Co-chair Mihemed Reşit announced that the attacks have destroyed schools in Shiye, Rajo and Shera in particular and that they are trying to protect the students from the intense attacks.

GATHERED DOCUMENTS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE UNICEF

Reşit stated that they are in contac with various institutions including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and that they will be submitting the documents they have gahered to the UNICEF: “We will be submitting documents on the schools that have been hit and students who have been killed. They should monitor Afrin from here, because here civilians are being killed. Children and women are being massacred. There is a war against humanity. They should hear Afrin’s voice. We are facing a cultural and historic annihilation of life.”

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS RISE UP AGAINST THE ATTACKS

Reşit said they have mobilized against the attacks together with the people of Afrin and stated that they will continue so until the attacks are eliminated.

Reşit said students and teachers in the canton are to hold a march in the coming days to protest the attacks.