Turkey and the Syrian National Army (SNA) continue their attacks on North and East Syria. Journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, who were following the developments in the region, were targeted and killed by an Armed Combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) on December 19 on the road between Tishreen Dam and Sirîn town. 

 

Journalist Argeş Vîyan commented on the attacks, the resistance and the attitude of international powers. 

 

TARGET KOBANÊ

 

Drawing attention to the Damascus administration's abandonment of positions without resistance against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Vîyan said that resistance continues in Aleppo's Eşrefiye and Şêx Meqsûd neighborhoods. Vîyan said: “With the attacks, the people who had previously migrated from Afrin had to withdraw from Tal Rifaat. Today, many people have taken refuge in the Autonomous Administration regions. Simultaneously with the collapse of the fascist AKP-MHP regime at home, the attacks on Kurdish regions accelerated. The aim of these attacks is to occupy Kobanê, the symbol of resistance of the Kurdish people. However, these plans came to naught in the face of the determination of the people and the resistance forces.” 

 

INTERNATIONAL SILENCE

 

Pointing out that Turkey's attacks continue despite the ceasefire discussions conducted through the International Coalition, Vîyan criticized the international powers for turning a blind eye to these attacks. “It is clear that the US-led international coalition supports this situation by remaining silent on Turkey's invasion attacks. The people are extremely disturbed by this situation. The US needs to take action to stop Turkey's attacks. However, so far no serious steps have been taken in this direction. The Autonomous Administration has repeatedly stated that it has not attempted any attacks against Turkey and that it supports good neighborly relations. Despite this, it continues to be the target of attacks,” he said.  

 

'WAR CRIMES ARE BEING COMMITTED'

 

Stating that Turkey's attacks target civilians, journalists and basic living spaces, Vîyan underlined that attacks against journalists in the region are increasing. Vîyan reminded that his fellow journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin were targeted and killed by a UCAV while following news and stated the following: “This situation clearly reveals the extent of the attacks against the Free Press. International organizations should react to these attacks. Targeting journalists while they are following news is clearly a war crime. It is clear from the attacks on the ground that Turkey-backed groups recognize no moral boundaries. The attacks are especially concentrated in Tishreen and Qareqozak regions. Despite all the technical support, the Autonomous Administration still controls the region. We see that the resistance forces are making serious preparations and resisting the attacks. The Kurdish people and their friends are acting with great responsibility to protect the status of North and East Syria. The struggle will continue until these attacks end and the status of the region is secured. The model created by the Autonomous Administration provides peace and security for the peoples of the region, but the attacks of the gangs have destroyed this environment. Today, this resistance is vital not only for the peoples of the region but also for the future of the Middle East.” 

 

'THE SOLUTION IS TO END THE ISOLATION'

 

Stating that the future of the peoples depends on the resistance on the ground, Vîyan emphasized that the Kurds in four parts should fight together against the attacks on North and East Syria. Democratic solution to the Kurdish issue is to end the isolation imposed on PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan for 26 years said Viyan and added: “Isolation is an attack on the will of the Kurdish people. Attacks have now increased against civilian areas. Lastly, wheat warehouses were targeted. 300 thousand tons of wheat were burned. In order to put an end to all this, we must fight with a spirit of national unity.”

 

MA / Delal Akyüz