2025: Jan wk4 -- Jan wk3 P3 -- Jan wk3 P2 -- Jan wk3 -- Jan wk2P2 -- Jan wk2 --  Jan wk1P2 -- Jan wk1
2024: Dec wk4P3 -- Dec wk4P2 -- Dec wk4 -- Dec wk3P4 -- Dec wk3P3 -- Dec wk3P2
Preface - Opinion: The developments after the fall of Assad may look promising as far as the establishment of a democracy in Syria is concerned. Howver, there are multiple players on the 'new front' and not all apparently interested in establishing such new horizon. Of course it is up to 
the people and in this especially the women who, as so often, play a keyrole, if not a leading role, in this.
Therefore I, as a forefighter for women's rights and indept investigative journalist/activist, want to, in my reporting, especially emphasize their role in the actual developments with, however, giving all parties a voice in this.
Gino d'Artali

 When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.


Beşira Cemal Din
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 23, 2025 - by RONÎDA HACÎ
<<‘The Turkish state violates international conventions’
“The Turkish state has committed crimes against people of the region by violating international conventions,” said Beşîra Cemal Dîn, Co-chair of the Union of Lawyers in North and East Syria.
Hasakah- Since the fall of the Assad regime, the hope of people for building a new Syria has been overshadowed by the intensified attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions on North and East Syria. Despite the ongoing clashes around the Tishreen Dam, the people of the region are determined to protect the dam and support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Since January 8, the people coming from different cities of North and East Syria have been holding a vigil on the dam to protest the ongoing attacks. The Turkish attacks targeting civilians holding the vigil on the dam have killed 16 people and injured more than 90 people.
NuJINHA spoke to Beşîra Cemal Dîn, Co-chair of the Union of Lawyers in North and East Syria, about the ongoing attacks on the region.
‘The Turkish state deepens the crisis’
“The fall of the Asad regime gave hope to the people in the region,” Beşîra Cemal Dîn told us. “We thought that the war would end and we would build a Syria based on democracy and equality. However, the Turkish state has intensified its attacks on North and East Syria. These attacks pose a threat to peace and security of the region. Everyone knows that the Baathist regime was overthrown at the end of 2024. This situation built up the hopes of Syrian people. However, the Turkish state has further intensified its attacks on North and East Syria. The presence of the Turkish state in Syrian territory is unacceptable. As the people of Syria, we want to resolve the Syrian crisis through political means and dialogue with HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham), which currently controls Damascus. The presence of the Turkish state in Syria has deepened the crisis.”
‘It aims to commit a genocide against the Kurdish people’
Beşîra Cemal Dîn thinks that the aim of the ongoing Turkish attacks is to commit a genocide against the Kurdish people. “The occupying Turkish state aims to annihilate the Kurdish people. The Turkish state has violated international conventions by attacking the region. It must immediately withdraw its troops and armed groups from the region and leave Syria.”
‘Civilians are killed on the Tishreen Dam’
Beşîra Cemal Dîn also commented on the ongoing Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam. “A historic resistance has been waged on the Tishreen Dam. The people of the region are determined to support their fighters; however, the Turkish state targets and kills civilians by openly attacking them. These attacks have been documented. We call on the relevant international organizations to urgently hold the Turkish state accountable for its crimes against civilians in North and East Syria. Remaining silent against these attacks is a shame. In order to hold the Turkish state accountable for its war crimes, people all around the world must rise up and raise their voice against the attacks.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/the-turkish-state-violates-international-conventions-36392?page=1


Menîce
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 23, 2025 - by PELÎN NÛPELDA - HAVÎN AHMED
<<‘Menîce’s life was full of resistance’
Menîce Haco Heyder was killed in a Turkish airstrike on the Tishreen Dam. “We will realize Menîce Heyder’s dreams,” said Îbtisam El Hisên, one of the comrades of Menîce Heyder.
Qamishlo- Since December 8, 2024, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions have carried out attacks on the Tishreen Dam while people from different areas of North and East Syria have been holding a vigil on the dam to protest the attacks since January 8. Menîce Haco Heyder is one of the women killed in the Turkish airstrikes on the dam since January 8. Menîce Heyder was born in 1977 in Amûdê’s Siceqa village, to a Kurdish family. She had eight siblings. She could not go to school after completing her 9th grade and she got married at a young age. Menîce Heyder was the mother of five; her eldest son joined the Kurdish Freedom Movement in 2017 and her another son took part in the resistance in Rojava. When the Kurdish Freedom Movement spread across Rojava Kurdistan, Menîce Heyder opened the doors of her house to fighters and she participated in activities for freedom, like every woman, whose heart beats for freedom. Although she suffered from serious health problems, she never gave up her struggle for freedom. Îbtisam El Hisên, Spokesperson of Kongra Star in Qamishlo, is one of the women, who had worked with Menîce Heyder for a long time. “I should first talk about her family in order to talk about her personality,” said Îbtisam El Hisên. “When the leader (Abdullah Öcalan) came to Rojava, Menîce and her family joined the activities of the Kurdish Freedom Movement. They always opened the doors of their houses to the members of the movement. Menîce grew up in a friendly and patriotic family. She participated in the activities along with her family members before her marriage.”
‘She played an important role in society’
Îbtisam El Hisên also talked about Menîce Heyder’s five children. “One of her children joined the freedom movement in 2017. Her spouse’s family was also a patriotic family and her children grew up with the patriotic spirit. Her another son took part in the resistance in Rojava and he still fights to defend his country. Despite the 50-year Baathist regime’s oppression on the people of Rojava, she always fought for women’s freedom. Although she suffered from serious health problems, she took part in all ceremonies, protests and marches. When the revolution in Rojava started, she carried out activities for communes and then she served as Spokesperson of Kongra Star in the city of Qamishlo for four years. She inspired many women. She was known as a strong woman. Then, she served as the Spokesperson of the Children’s Committee of Kongra Star in Rojava and Co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Qamishlo. She played an important role in organizing her society.”
“Our revolution is a women’s revolution’
Îbtisam El Hisên met Menîce when she attended a meeting of Kongra Star as the Spokesperson of the Education Committee for the Democratic Society (KPC). “We witnessed the revolution together. She was a determined, smart and hardworking woman.” Îbtisam El Hisên attended several training of Kongra Star with Menîce Heyder. “During one of the training, I asked Menîce, ‘You are strong and good at speaking, why do not you speak at the training?’. ‘Because our revolution is a women’s revolution,’ she told me.”
‘We will realize her dreams’
Îbtisam El Hisên also commented on the Turkish attacks on North and East Syria. “The occupying Turkish state has attacked Rojava Kurdistan for 13 years, aiming to destroy the Rojava Revolution and women’s gains. Today is a new and historic process for all people to rewrite history. All people of North and East Syria go to the Tishreen Dam to support the SDF and YPJ fighters and to exist in the new century. Menîce went to the Tishreen Dam to support the SDF and YPJ fighters. We will always follow in her footsteps and realize her dreams.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/menice-s-life-was-full-of-resistance-36391


Women cooking for fighters
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 22, 2025 - by ÊLVÎN MIHEMED
<<Women cooking for fighters: The Turkish state will be defeated like ISIS
“The Turkish state will be defeated just as ISIS was defeated in Kobanê,” say women cooking for SDF fighters in the village of Helîncê near Kobanê.
Kobanê- The people of North and East Syria have mobilized in all spheres of life to protect their region and the gains of the revolution in Rojava against the ongoing attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. Women living in the village of Helîncê (Halinja) near Kobanê cook to support their fighters. The members of the Martyr Medya Women's Commune in the village cook meals and send them to the fighters resisting the attacks.
‘We are the mothers and sisters of the fighters’
“We cook to support the fighters,” said Hacîre Kenco, one of the women cooking for the fighters in the village. “We are the mothers and sisters of the fighters and we cook to support them. We are proud of our children and we always support them.”
‘The fighters of the SDF are the children of people’
Hacîre Kenco also talked about the resistance against the attacks on the Tishreen Dam. “Our fighters have been fighting the occupation attacks on the Tishreen Dam for more than 40 days. The fighters of the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) are the children of people in this region. The children of our country are also our children so we want to help and support them. We will always stand with our fighters. Long live our fighters.” “The fighters defend their region,” said Necmê Misî, condemning the Turkish attacks on North and East Syria.
‘The Turkish state will be defeated’
“As the women of Helîncê, we cook for the fighters to support them,” said Fîroz Xelîl. “The Turkish state will be defeated just as ISIS was defeated in Kobanê. We will not leave our homeland and country. Who are the fighters of the SDF? They are the children of this region, this country. The Turkish state cannot break our strong will by using its warplanes and heavy weapons.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-cooking-for-fighters-the-turkish-state-will-be-defeated-like-isis-36378?page=1


Women of Afrin
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 22, 2025 - by ZEYNEB ÎSA
<<Women of Afrin want to return to their city
“We want to return to our city,” said women of Afrin, who have been displaced twice by Turkish attacks, calling on human rights organizations to “hold the Turkish state accountable for its war crimes.”
Dêrik (Al-Malikiyah)- On January 20, 2018, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions launched an offensive on the Afrin Canton of North and East Syria, committing many war crimes, including kidnapping, killing, harassment, rape, looting, arrest and torture, cutting down olive trees and displacing thousands. Some displaced people of Afrin settled in Shahba and resisted all difficult living conditions in camps; however, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked Shahba, displaced the people of Afrin for the second time.
‘We have been displaced twice’
“We had a peaceful life in Afrin,” said Fatmê Salih, a displaced woman of Afrin settling in the Newroz Camp located in the city of Dêrik. “However, the occupying Turkish state attacked us on January 20, 2018 by using heavy weapons. We were displaced from Afrin to Shahba by Turkish attacks. After seven years in Shahba, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked us again, displacing us again.”
‘Children froze to death’
When the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked Shahba, many people had to leave Shahba to Jazira Canton of North and East Syria. “Many people were killed, attacked or kidnapped by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions while trying to reach Jazira Canton,” Fatmê Salih told NuJINHA. “Children froze to death on the way. Thanks to the Autonomous Administration (of North and East Syria), we arrived in the Newroz Camp. They gave us tents, food and water. In Afrin, we had a house and olive trees; our children were going to school. In camps, we suffer from cold weather in winter and hot weather in summer and diseases.”
‘Hold the Turkish state accountable’
Fatmê Salih wants to return to Afrin. “The Turkish state always attacks us and occupies our cities. The people staying in Afrin have been subjected to violations by the Turkish state. As the displaced people of Afrin, we want to return to our city. I call on human rights organizations to hold the Turkish state accountable for its crimes. We will resist until we return to Afrin, our homeland.”
‘The Turkish state did not allow us to live our childhood’
“We had a happy and peaceful life in Afrin until the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked us,” said Fereh Abdullah. “We were going to school, having a normal life. The attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions displaced us from Afrin to Shahba. We lived in Shahba for seven years, resisting the Turkish attacks and the siege imposed by the Syrian government. However, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked us in Shahba, displacing us to the Jazira Canton. The Turkish state did not allow us to live our childhood. All we want is to return to Afrin.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-of-afrin-want-to-return-to-their-city-36377

Al Jazeera - January 22, 2025
<<What does the future of Syria hold after the fall of the Assad regime?
Today on The Stream: We ask Syrians what they think the future holds following the fall of the Assad regime.>>
Video: https://www.aljazeera.com/program/the-stream/2025/1/22/what-does-the-future-of-syria-hold-after-the-fall-of-the-assad-regime

Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 21, 2025
<<Civilians injured in Turkish airstrike on Tishreen Dam
A number of civilians, including journalists, have been injured in a Turkish airstrike targeting Tishreen Dam on Tuesday.
News Center- The Turkish state has carried out attacks on the Tishreen Dam for more than 40 days. Since January 8, the people of North and East Syria have held a vigil on the dam against the ongoing attacks. A number of civilians, including journalists, have been injured in a Turkish airstrike targeting the people holding the vigil on the dam, Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reported on Tuesday. Since January 8, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions have targeted civilian convoys heading to the Tishreen Dam, killing 15 people.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/civilians-injured-in-turkish-airstrike-on-tishreen-dam-36375?page=1


Emina Şêx Bekir
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 22, 2025 - by RONÎDA HACÎ
<<‘I want to follow in the footsteps of Cihan and Nazım’
Emina Şêx Bekir, who has been displaced twice at a young age, reflects the truth in her paintings. Her dream is to become a journalist to follow in the footsteps of Cihan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan.
Hasakah- Since December 8, 2024, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions have intensified their attacks on North and East Syria, especially on the Tishreen Dam, the second largest dam in North and East Syria. On January 8, 2025, the people from many cities of North and East Syria went to the dam in convoys and started a vigil to protect both the dam, the main source of electricity of the region, and their region from the attacks; however, the Turkish state has kept targeting civilians holding the vigil on the dam. While the resistance of the people continues on the dam, 16-year-old Emîna Şêx Bekir reflects what has been going on in the region in her paintings. She has been displaced twice by the attacks of ISIS and the Turkish state. When she was six, her family was displaced from Kobanê to Serêkaniyê (Ras al-Ayn) by the attacks of ISIS. The attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions Serêkaniyê in 2019 displaced thousands to Hasakah, including the family of Emîna Şêx Bekir.
‘I want to become a journalist’
Emîna Şêx Bekir has been interested in drawing and painting since her childhood. She has portrayed women, who led the revolution in Rojava, fighters and Cihan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan, two journalists killed in a Turkish drone strike while covering the clashes around the Tishreen Dam.
“Journalism fascinated me since my childhood,” she told NuJINHA. “When ISIS attacked Kobanê in 2014, my family had to leave Kobanê. At that time, I was six years old. We faced many challenges. We settled in Serêkaniyê; however, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked Serêkaniyê in 2019, displacing us. Then, we settled in Hasakah. Now, they want to attack Kobanê, the stronghold of the resistance, and kill people. I started painting to show the atrocities of the Turkish state.”
‘It’s time to resist’
Emîna Şêx Bekir thinks that reporting the truth is her duty. “Therefore, I started painting journalists who were martyred while reporting the truth. It’s time to resist; resistance has no age limit. We must fulfill our responsibilities everywhere.”
‘I tell the realities of war and the resistance against it in my paintings’
Emîna Şêx Bekir also commented on the war waged against the Kurdish people. “Today, everyone must resist by using a pen, a camera, a song or a weapon. Since I am still very young, I tell the realities of the war and the resistance against it in my paintings to support the SDF fighters.” Emîna Şêx Bekir told us why she depicted Cihan Bilgin in one of her paintings. “Cihan was a strong and determined woman. She made great efforts to report the truth. She was martyred while covering the attacks of the Turkish state. I drew the Tishreen Dam behind her and martyr Nazım. A resistance has been carried out on the Tishreen Dam. This is a life and death resistance. I call on everyone to support the resistance on the Tishreen Dam. I want to become a journalist in order to follow in the footsteps of Cihan and Nazım.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/i-want-to-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-cihan-and-nazim-36372?page=1

Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 22, 2025
<<Raqqa- The people of Afrin resisted for 58 days against the occupying attacks launched by the Turkish state in Afrin on January 20,2018. During the resistance called “Resistance of the Age”, the people of Afrin faced the heavy Turkish attacks and paid heavy prices.
A new forced displacement
Thousands of people of Afrin had to leave their homeland to safe areas of North and East Syria. Since 2018, the people living in Afrin have been subjected to many war crimes such as killing, looting, kidnapping, rape and torture by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. Some displaced people of Afrin settled in Shahba and resisted there despite all difficult living conditions; however, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked Shahba, displaced the people of Afrin for the second time.
‘The Turkish state aims to revive the Ottoman Empire’
“The Turkish state aims to revive the Ottoman Empire,” said Meryem Bilal, Co-chair of the Afrin Social Association in Raqqa, condemning the Turkish genocidal attacks. “The Turkish state aims to annihilate the Kurdish people by displacing people and changing the demographic structure of the region.”
Kidnaping, harassment, rape, massacres…
Meryem Bilal also spoke about the occupation of Afrin. “The Turkish state occupied Afrin on January 20, 2018, banning people from speaking Kurdish. Children are forced to learn Turkish in schools. The city of Afrin has witnessed very scary, tragic and sad scenes. Young people, especially women, are subjected to arbitrary arrests in Afrin. Turkish-backed factions demand a ransom from their families for their release. Women living in Afrin are subjected to many rights violations, including kidnapping, harassment, rape and massacres. Many women are behind bars but there is no information about them. The attacks on the nature of the city also continue. Turkish-backed factions have cut down olive trees and demanded taxes from the people in the name of public security.”
‘We will support their resistance’
On November 27, 2024, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions intensified their attacks on Shahba and Til Rıfat, forcing the displaced people of Afrin taking shelters in Shahba and Til Rıfat to flee to other safe places in northeastern Syria. “The displaced people of Afrin have been forcibly displaced for the second time by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. The people displaced from Afrin, Shahba and Til Rıfat say they continue their resistance. We vow to stand with them and to support their resistance.”
‘We still live in hope’
“We still live in hope to return to our homeland,” said Naima Reşho, a displaced woman from Afrin’s Jindires town, drawing attention to difficult living conditions in camps. “We have been forcibly displaced for the second time by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. Due to freezing temperatures, we faced many challenges on our way to safe areas. Many people died on the way. We always face attacks, suffering, displacement and death. We do not know what the Turkish state wants from us and attacks civilians. Despite everything, we still live in hope to return to our homeland. We resist all difficult living conditions.” Naima Reşho also called on countries and international human rights organizations to “stop the ongoing Turkish attacks and hold the Turkish state responsible for its crimes against us.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/anniversary-of-occupation-in-afrin-hold-the-turkish-state-responsible-for-its-crimes-36371

Medyanews - January 21, 2025
<<Qamişlo bids farewell to Bavê Teyar and Tishreen fatalities
Thousands gathered in Qamishli (Qamişlo) to honour Kurdish actor Bavê Teyar and other civilians killed in a Turkish airstrike on Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam. The funeral brought together communities from across northern Syria, uniting them in both mourning and defiance, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Kurdish freedom and dignity. Thousands of people flooded the streets of Qamishli (Qamişlo) on 21 January to bid farewell to Kurdish actor Bavê Teyar and other civilians who were killed in a Turkish airstrike on the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam sit-in vigil. The funeral, held at the Martyr Delîl Sarûxan Cemetery, transformed into a powerful demonstration of solidarity and resistance. The mourners included representatives from Kurdish, Arab, Armenian, Syriac, and Assyrian communities, as well as members of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), and local Arab tribes. The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by speeches commemorating the martyrs and denouncing ongoing attacks on northern Syria. Speaking at the funeral, Yusuf from the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-Presidency Council declared, “From the martyrdom capital of Qamişlo, we salute the fighters of the SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] and YPJ [People’s Protection Units] and all those resisting for freedom. The Turkish state seeks to erase our identity in a new Syria, but we will not surrender. The Kurdish people will secure their rights.” Rihan Loqo, spokesperson for Kongra Star, stated, “The Turkish state aims to destroy the Kurdish people through continuous conspiracies and violence. Yet, our people showed immense courage in standing with Tishreen Dam. The dam, like Kobanê, has become a symbol of honour and resistance,” referring to Kobani (Kobanê), the town which led a historic defeat against ISIS in 2015. Mihemed Mela Reşid El Xerzî, co-chair of the North and East Syria Democratic Islamic Congress, called the infrastructure a “dam of resistance”, emphasising its strategic and symbolic importance in the struggle for freedom and autonomy.
Farewell to Bavê Teyar
Ferhad Merdê, a fellow artist, addressed Bavê Teyar during an emotional tribute: “If only you could see how many people stand for you today. Your laughter and resistance have inspired generations, and your legacy will live on.” Born as Cuma Xelîl in Qamişlo in 1957, Bavê Teyar dedicated over three decades to Kurdish theatre and cultural preservation. Known for his humour and artistry, he became a symbol of resilience and a beloved figure in Kurdish society. His theatre troupe, Bavê Teyar Theatre, combined performance, music, and comedy to address critical issues, from gender equality to societal struggles. Bavê Teyar’s participation in the Tishreen sit-in vigil reflected his lifelong commitment to peace and Kurdish unity. “We are not afraid of death. We will defend our land to the end,” he said in a recent interview. The funeral highlighted the shared grief and determination of the region’s communities. As the coffins were lowered into the ground, chants of “Martyrs are immortal” and “Resistance is life” echoed throughout the cemetery. Representatives from the Martyrs’ Families Council presented martyrdom certificates to the families of the deceased, symbolising their eternal place in the Kurdish struggle. The Tishreen Dam, a vital infrastructure on the Euphrates River, has been a focal point of Turkish aggression since 12 December, with repeated aircraft and drone strikes leaving over 400,000 people without water or electricity. The sit-in vigil, initiated on 7 January, aims to protect the dam and draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria. International observers have condemned the attacks, urging the establishment of a no-fly zone to prevent further civilian casualties and protect critical infrastructure.>>
Video: https://medyanews.net/qamislo-bids-farewell-to-bave-teyar-and-tishreen-fatalities/


Kohar Khachadurian
Medyanews - January 21, 2025
‘We are in fear’: Uncertain future for Armenians in Syria
An interview by Armenian activist Arev Aintabian and the Ararat Collective, a Germany-based Armenian group, with Kohar Khachadurian, a prominent Armenian leader in North and East Syria (Rojava), discussing the future of ethnic minorities in Syria under the new Islamist government. Kohar Khachadurian, a prominent political figure representing the Armenian community in Syria, discusses the uncertain future of ethnic minorities in North and East Syria (Rojava) under potential Islamist rule. Once a safe haven for Armenians, Syriacs, Kurds and Arabs, North and East Syria now faces growing fears over the erosion of cultural and religious freedoms. “We are in fear of whether we’ll be allowed to speak Armenian, carry our crosses, or celebrate our religious holidays,” Khachadurian says, highlighting growing concerns over new oppression in post-Assad Syria. Khachadurian serves in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office of the Armenian Socialist Council based in Qamishli (Qamişlo), in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). She is deeply involved in governance of the region, advocating for the rights of minority communities, and working to address the challenges facing Armenians amid regional conflicts. Arev Aintabian, a Syrian-Armenian activist based in Stockholm, Sweden, and members of the Ararat Collective – a Germany-based Armenian antifascist group founded during the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) invasion of 2020 – interviewed Khachadurian in December. The conversation offers a critical insight into life on the ground in northern Syria since the fall of Assad’s regime, including increasing threats from Turkish-backed forces, and the impact an Islamist Damascus government could have on the region’s Armenian minority.
The Armenian population in Syria is primarily composed of descendants of survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, during which hundreds of thousands of Armenians were massacred or deported, driven from their ancestral lands in Eastern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The situation in Rojava remains precarious, as the ongoing Turkish siege, supported by Syrian National Army (SNA) mercenaries, continues to threaten civilian life and regional stability. Critical infrastructure has been targeted, including humanitarian facilities, and civilians including journalists have been killed in attacks on sites such as the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam, defended by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Only last week, US CENTCOM Commander Michael Kurilla visited officials from the SDF, the local boots-on-the-ground partner in the Global Coalition to Defeat Da’esh (ISIS), to address critical humanitarian and security issues facing the region.
Read the interview transcript here, lightly edited for clarity:>> Source: https://medyanews.net/we-are-in-fear-uncertain-future-for-armenians-in-syria/

Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 20, 2025
<<12 bar associations call to ‘protect civilians’ on Tishreen Dam
12 bar associations have issued a joint statement on the ongoing Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam, calling to “protect civilians in all circumstances.”
News Center- 12 bar associations, including the bar associations in Van and Amed (Diyarbakır) have issued a joint statement on the ongoing Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam.
‘The airstrike is a violation of international law’
Five civilians were killed in a Turkish airstrike on the Tishreen Dam on Saturday. Renowned Kurdish comedian Juma Khalil, also known as Bavê Teyar, was seriously injured in the strike; however, he died on Sunday of injuries he sustained. “The airstrike targeting civilians is a violation of international law,” the statement said. “The clashes in North and East Syria have intensified while life has slowly returned to normal in other parts of Syria. In the last airstrike on the Tishreen Dam killed six civilians, including Kurdish comedian Juma Khalil Ibrahim, and injured 15 others. This strike targeting civilians is a clear violation of international law. Protecting civilians during armed conflict is therefore a cornerstone of international humanitarian law.”
Call to take action
In the statement, the bar associations called on the international community and human rights organizations to take urgent action “to protect civilians” in North and East Syria.
Signatories:
Read it here: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/12-bar-associations-call-to-protect-civilians-on-tishreen-dam-36369


Women of Kobane
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 20, 2025 - by ÊLVÎN MİHEMED
<<Women of Kobanê: We will protect both our land and our dam
The women of Kobanê attending the vigil on the Tishreen dam say they will protect both their land and their dam, noting that the resistance strengthens them.
Kobanê –The ongoing attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed faction Syrian National Army (SNA) on the Tishreen Dam, the second largest dam in North and East Syria, have continued since December 8, 2024. On January 8, 2025, the people from many cities of North and East Syria went to the dam in convoys and started a vigil to both the dam and their land from the attacks; however, the Turkish state has kept targeting civilians, killing 14 civilians and injuring 70 others, some are still in critical condition. “We will defend ourselves. We will defend both our land and our infrastructure, without relying on external forces or individuals,” say the people attending the vigil on the dam. “We are determined to defend our land despite everything,” emphasized the women of Kobanê, who attended the vigil at the dam and returned to Kobanê after transferring it to others coming from other cities.
‘We will protect the dam against all attacks’
“We joined the vigil to protect our region's infrastructure from attacks,” said Zehê Ali Eyûb. “We departed from Kobanê to the Tishreen Dam in a convoy of approximately 700-800 people. When we arrived in the town of Sarrin, the Turkish warplanes and drones targeted people to prevent them from going to the dam. The aim of the Turkish attack was to intimidate the people and break their resistance. Five civilians were killed and 11 others injured in the attack. Despite the attack, we did not give up and walked to the Tishreen Dam.” The Kurdish people cannot rely on any external forces, Zehê Ali Eyûb emphasized. “First of all, we have to defend ourselves and our lands. The resistance of our fighters strengthens us. We salute their resistance and we will always stand with them.”
‘The aim of the Turkish state is to commit a genocide’
“The aim of the Turkish state is to commit a genocide,” said Meysûn Kewar, another woman of Kobanê, who attended the vigil. “It aims to demolish the Tishreen Dam. The ongoing attacks pose a risk to Tabqa, Raqqa and even for Kurdistan. If the dam is damaged, it will cause massive flooding. The aim of the Turkish state is to submerge villages and cities; this will pose a risk to the people in the region.”
‘The Tishreen Dam belongs to the people of North and East Syria’
Cûrî Temî, another woman, who attended the vigil from Kobanê, drew attention to the ongoing Turkish attacks on North and East Syria. “The Turkish state deliberately targets civilian infrastructure such as grain silos, power and water facilities. Therefore, we, as the people of Kobanê, attended the vigil at the Tishreen Dam for four days to protect it from the attacks. People from all ages attend the vigil to protect and defend the dam. “The Tishreen Dam belongs to the people of North and East Syria, as well as the Kurds and Arab people. We will never leave the dam unprotected. We will protect both our land and our dam and always stand with our fighters.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-of-kobane-we-will-protect-both-our-land-and-our-dam-36363

Medyanews - January 20, 2025
<<Political and military attacks sabotage hopes for peace in Turkey: DEM Party
Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party issues a strong statement condemning Turkey's ongoing political and military aggression. Amid calls for peace and democratic reforms, they highlight the recent death of Kurdish actor Bavê Teyar in a Turkish air strike on the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam and the arrest of five Kurdish journalists in raids. The party demands an end to these attacks and calls on democratic forces to resist in solidarity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party expressed grave concern over Turkey’s escalating political and military operations, warning that they threaten the prospects for peace and democracy in the country. Noting the intense public interest generated by discussions, on-going since October, on a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, the party criticised the government’s continued aggression as undermining the nation’s collective aspirations for a peaceful and democratic future. The DEM Party condemned increased political repression, including the appointment of trustees in Kurdish municipalities, intensified military operations in Kurdish-led North and East Syria and recent raids on cultural institutions. They described these actions as ‘political assassinations’ against the historic opportunity for peace. The party mourned the recent loss of Bavê Teyar (Cuma Xelîl), a renowned Kurdish theatre actor and cultural icon, who died on 19 January from injuries sustained during a Turkish air strike against a peaceful sit-in at the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam. The attack, which left six people dead and more than 20 injured, targeted civilians campaigning for the protection of critical infrastructure in the face of ongoing aggression. Bavê Teyar had himself been a symbol of resilience, using his art to celebrate Kurdish culture and history through decades of cultural oppression. The DEM party accused the government of hypocrisy in the peace talks and demanded an immediate end to the attacks, and recognition of Kurdish cultural and political achievements. They urged millions of citizens and the democratically-minded general public, united in their desire for peace, to exhibit a strong democratic resistance to these attacks by the state, whose aim is to remove the possibility of peace. This statement builds on previous engagement by the DEM Party, and reflects widespread concern about the deteriorating democratic conditions and escalating violence in Turkey. Since discussions began in October on a possible reconciliation process to address the Kurdish question, the DEM Party has been actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy with various political actors to promote a peaceful and democratic solution. However, these efforts have been overshadowed by the government’s aforementioned actions of intensified military operations, crackdowns on Kurdish journalists and targeted repression of cultural institutions.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/political-and-military-attacks-sabotage-hopes-for-peace-in-turkey-dem-party/


Medyanews - January 19, 2025 - by Selahattin Soro
<<Kurdish actor Bave Teyar dies following Turkish airstrike on Syria's Tishreen Dam
Legendary Kurdish actor Bave Teyar passed away on 19 January from injuries sustained in a Turkish airstrike during the Tishreen (Tişrin) Dam sit-in vigil. The attack, which killed six and injured over 20, targeted civilians advocating for peace and protection of the dam via a popular sit-in vigil since 7 January. The renowned Kurdish theatre actor and cultural icon Cuma Xelil, better known by his stage name Bave Teyar, passed away on 19 January from injuries sustained in a Turkish drone strike at the Tishreen (Tişrin) Dam in northern Syria. Bave Teyar had travelled from his home town of Qamishli (Qamişlo) to join the sit-in vigil at the Tishreen Dam, a peaceful protest aimed at safeguarding the vital infrastructure from Turkish aggression. The vigil, ongoing for 12 days, has been a focal point for civilians advocating against relentless attacks on the dam, which have left over 400,000 people without water or electricity since December. On 18 January, Turkish airstrikes targeted the peaceful sit-in, killing four civilians outright and injuring many others, including Bave Teyar. Despite immediate medical attention, the legendary artist succumbed to his injuries the following day. Witnesses described the attack as deliberate and part of a broader escalation targeting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Bave Teyar had voiced his determination during a recent interview:
"We are not afraid of death. We will defend our land to the end." His presence at the vigil was both a personal act of resistance and a reflection of his lifelong commitment to Kurdish culture and unity. Born in Qamishli in 1957, Bave Teyar dedicated over three decades to Kurdish theatre and culture, creating plays and performances that celebrated Kurdish identity while addressing societal issues. His humour and artistry became symbols of resilience through decades of cultural suppression. Through his work, he educated Kurdish audiences about their history and traditions and the Kurdish language, often in defiance of systemic oppression, leaving a legacy of art and advocacy. His troupe, Bave Teyar Theatre, was renowned for its creative approach, combining theatre, music and stand-up comedy to tackle themes such as gender equality, family dynamics and the struggles of Kurdish society. He said, "Our aim is to make our people laugh while making them think." The Tishreen Dam, located on the Euphrates River, has been the target of Turkish drone and warplane attacks since 10 December. These strikes have turned the dam into a symbol of Kurdish resilience, with civilians rallying to protect it despite escalating violence. The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from international observers, with humanitarian organisations warning of catastrophic consequences if the dam is breached. Civil society groups and Kurdish leaders have called for urgent international intervention, including a no-fly zone over northern Syria, to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure.>>
Video: https://medyanews.net/kurdish-actor-bave-teyar-dies-following-turkish-airstrike-on-syrias-tishreen-dam/


25 women and 45 children were killed
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 16, 2025 - by ŞERIN MIHEMED
<<'25 women and 45 children were killed in Turkish attacks in 2024'
The Syrian Organization for Human Rights has documented that 25 women and 45 children were killed in the attacks of Turkish forces and Turkish-backed factions in 2024.
Qamishlo- The Syrian Organization for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented human rights violations and attacks by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions on North and East Syria in 2024. 25 women and 45 children were killed in Turkish drone strikes, and 14 people, including women and children were kidnapped in the region, according to the organization.
Killing, looting, theft, kidnapping…
The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions intensified their attacks on North and East Syria in 2024, said Evin Cuma, one of the executives of the SOHR, stressing that the attacks causes various human rights violations, including killing, looting, theft, kidnapping and execution against people in Manbij and Shahba. Evin Cuma recalled the attacks on Afrin/Shahba canton of North and East Syria and said, "The Turkish-backed factions surrounded the Afrin/Shahba canton and committed crimes against humanity. As known, Shahba was a city, hosting thousands of displaced people of Afrin. The displaced people of Afrin, who took shelter in Shahba, were displaced for a second time by the Turkish attacks. They were subjected to looting, kidnapping and insults by Turkish-backed factions while fleeing to safe areas. Those who could not leave in Shahba are subjected to the atrocity of these factions."
'The aim is to change the demographic structure of the region'
The Turkish state aims to expand its territory and change the demographic structure of the region (North and East Syria), Evin Cuma indicated. "The Turkish state aims to revive the Ottoman Empire. We have documented the right violations committed by the Turkish state in 2024 and the Turkish attacks on the region still continue. In 2024, the region suffered from power outages due to the Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam. The attacks on the dam are crimes against humanity. The attacks on power and water facilities pose a threat to the villages near the dam and the situation in the region."

Evin Cuma
'A joint effort by human rights organizations is needed to document rights violations'
Evin Cuma concluded her speech as follows: "We do our best to document rights violations in the region while civilians suffer from executions, forced displacements and attacks. We will send the rights violations documented by us to international human rights organizations, the United Nations and the International Commision of Inquiry. A joint effort by human rights organizations is needed to document rights violations against the people of North and East Syria." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/25-women-and-45-children-were-killed-in-turkish-attacks-in-2024-36348?page=1

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