Tishrin Dam: Stronghold of popular resistance against Turkish aggression

The Tishrin Dam has transformed into a fortress of resistance, uniting all components of North and East Syria in defense against Turkish aggression. Since December 8, 2024, the Turkish occupation forces and their mercenaries have launched relentless attacks on the Tishrin Dam and the Qaraqozak Bridge using warplanes, drones, artillery, missiles, and mortars. These assaults have inflicted severe damage on the dam’s structure, raising the specter of a potential humanitarian catastrophe following its complete shutdown and the emergence of dangerous cracks in its body.

 Popular Mobilization to Protect Tishrin Dam

 In response to this looming disaster, the people of North and East Syria launched a mass mobilization to defend the dam. Beginning January 8, 2025, civilian convoys have been heading toward the dam, with the first caravan departing from Kobani, comprising thousands of residents from across the region. Their mission is twofold: to halt Turkey’s indiscriminate bombardment and to protect the dam from further destruction.

 Furthermore, protesters have adopted a rotational sit-in strategy, ensuring a continuous presence at the dam. To date, four convoys have arrived from the Euphrates Canton, three from Raqqa, Tabqa, and Deir ez-Zor, and six from Jazira, with thousands of civilians participating in the resistance.

 Over 10,000 Civilians Participate in the Defense of Tishrin Dam

 The initial convoy on January 8 included more than 5,000 people, while subsequent groups ranged between 300 and 400 individuals per convoy. This grassroots mobilization underscores the determination of North and East Syria’s components to safeguard the region’s vital infrastructure from Turkish aggression.

 Massacres Committed by the Turkish Occupation: 24 Martyred, Over 200 Injured

 The Turkish state has committed multiple massacres against civilians defending the Tishrin Dam, resulting in the deaths of 24 individuals and injuring more than 200 others. Among the martyrs were cultural figures such as singer Jumaa Khalil (Bavi Tayar), political leaders like Muzaffar Ramadan, women's rights activists including Minija Haidar, athletes like Kivo Osman, as well as medical personnel, students, and youth activists.

 Despite these atrocities, the resistance continues. The people of North and East Syria remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting their lands, their water resources, and their right to self-determination in the face of continued Turkish aggression.

 Statement on Civilian Casualties in Recent Attacks

 January 8–22, 2025

 A series of attacks targeting civilians near the Tishrin Dam have resulted in the tragic loss of 24 lives, including humanitarian workers, students, local officials, and cultural figures.

 January 8: The first convoy of civilians heading toward the Tishrin Dam came under attack, leading to the martyrdom of Zozan Hamo, Karam Ahmed Al-Shihab Al-Hamad, Azad Farhan Mohammed Hassan, Mustafa Abdi, Othman Ibrahim, and Ali Abbas Shasho.

 January 15: In a bombing targeting civilians stationed at the dam, paramedic Omar Hassan, the married couple Adham Mustafa Ali and Heza Mohammed, Othman Ibrahim, and student Roniz Mohammed Ali lost their lives.

 January 16: Mohammed Qamso was martyred in a Turkish airstrike on a civilian convoy.

January 17: Paramedic Mahir Jafar Mohmeid and Mohammed Hasso were killed in another attack on a civilian convoy.

 January 18: In an airstrike targeting those stationed at Tishrin Dam, Akram Sheikhous Hussein Rikho, athlete Kevo Othman, Manija Haider (co-chair of the Democratic Union Party office in Qamishli), city council members Mozaffar Ramadan Mohammed and Abdul Qader Ibrahim, and renowned Kurdish theater artist Jomaa Ibrahim Khalil (Bavi Tayyar) were martyred.

 January 21: Another attack on civilians at the dam led to the martyrdom of Hazna Abdi and Mohieddin Hussein Omar.

 January 22: The latest strike on Tishrin Dam claimed the life of Mohammed Shafiq Ismail.

 These attacks, targeting civilians, emergency responders, political figures, and cultural leaders, represent a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The continued targeting of non-combatants in critical infrastructure zones, including Tishrin Dam, poses a grave risk to regional stability and human security. Immediate action from the international community is imperative to halt further escalation and protect civilian lives.

 January 25–26, 2025

 The ongoing Turkish military operations targeting civilians and protesters at Tishrin Dam have resulted in further casualties and injuries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

 January 25: Turkish forces bombed demonstrators at Tishrin Dam, leading to the martyrdom of Mohammed Khalil Hamo.

 January 26: A Turkish drone strike targeted civilians protesting at the dam, injuring more than 34 people.

 Rising Civilian Toll

 Beyond the 24 confirmed martyrs, over 240 civilians have been wounded in the sustained attacks, including: 8 journalists, injured while covering the events. Samira Haj Ali, Co-Chair of the Education Authority in North and East Syria and Hamrin Ali, Deputy Co-Chair of the Executive Council in Jazira.

 Footage from the bombed area confirms direct attacks on Tishrin Dam, a vital source of electricity and water for millions of Syrians, stretching from Aleppo to Deir ez-Zor.

 Farhan Haji Issa, the Co-Chair of the Autonomous Administration in Euphrates Canton said Tishrin Dam is a central lifeline between Tabqa and Mansoura Dams, providing electricity to the entire country, so Its destruction would pose an extreme humanitarian and environmental threat.

 Issa emphasized that:The month-long civilian resistance at Tishrin Dam demonstrates the people's commitment to defending their land and resources. The international community must take urgent action to halt Turkish aggression and prevent further violations of international law.

 Unlike past massacres, the world is now witnessing Turkey’s actions at Tishrin Dam in real time.

 Issa has condemned Turkey’s actions as part of a systematic campaign of genocide against the Syrian people. He highlighted the ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, including:

 - Targeting of the water station in Kobani, leaving civilians without access to water and electricity for over two months.

 - Destruction of ambulances, grain silos, olive oil mills, and water sources, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

 Issa called for urgent protection of the region’s gains, emphasizing that this is a moral duty to safeguard the community’s rights to basic resources and services. He also pointed to the resilience of the people, saying:" Families have left behind their martyrs, including the young child Tala, who lost both parents while participating in the convoys headed to Tishrin Dam,the people are increasingly united in their resistance, with entire families joining the protest, signaling a unified response against the Turkish occupation."

 Issa further stressed that Turkey’s ultimate goal is to destroy the social fabric of the region, but the people of North and East Syria are well aware of this objective and are determined to protect their lands and rights at all costs.

 Issa issued a call to international institutions, including human rights organizations, humanitarian bodies, and the Global Coalition, urging them to take immediate action to halt the ongoing massacres being committed by Turkish forces in the region.

 The popular resistance at Tishrin Dam continues to grow, with convoys arriving daily from all areas of North and East Syria, representing a broad and diverse spectrum of the population. Many political, social, and academic figures have described the resistance as one of the most remarkable in history, demonstrating unwavering unity and determination in the face of continued aggression.

a.k

ANHA