2024: Dec wk3 -- Dec wk2P5 -- Dec wk2P4 -- Dec wk2P3 -- Dec wk2P2 -- Dec wk2

 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.

Medyanews - December 14, 2024
<<YPG, YPJ fighters repel Turkish-backed militias in fierce resistance near Tishreen Dam, Euphrates basin
In a one week battle marked by intense resistance, YPG and YPJ fighters thwarted a multi-pronged offensive by Turkish-backed militias on the strategic Tishreen Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge on Euphrates river, despite sustained aerial drone bombardment. The General Command of the Manbij Military Council has announced a decisive victory against Turkish-backed militias following three days of relentless fighting near the Tishreen Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge in the southeast of Manbij (Minbîc). The offensive, supported by Turkish airpower, was repelled through the steadfast resistance of People's Protection Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ) fighters, who inflicted significant losses on the attackers. According to the Council's statement, the militias launched a comprehensive assault with support from over 20 Turkish AKINCI drones, tanks, and armoured vehicles, targeting strategic locations in violation of a US-brokered ceasefire. The fighting resulted in extensive damage to the Tishreen Dam, which was directly targeted by Turkish drone strikes. Despite the sustained bombardment, YPG and YPJ fighters employed modern tactical warfare, ambushing and neutralising large numbers of enemy forces. "Our fighters, led by the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), displayed unparalleled bravery, engaging in face-to-face combat across numerous locations," the statement read.
Casualty and damage report
The Manbij Military Council reported the following results from the three-day clashes:
• Enemy casualties: 210 killed, including 142 near Tishreen Dam and 68 at Qaraqozak Bridge. Thirteen were identified as militia leaders.
• Injuries: Hundreds of enemy combatants wounded.
• Vehicle losses: 39 military vehicles destroyed (28 at Tishreen Dam, 11 at Qaraqozak Bridge).
• Armour losses: Six Turkish tanks destroyed (four at Qaraqozak Bridge, two at Tishreen Dam).
• Drone losses: Five Turkish suicide drones shot down.
• Motorcycle losses: 20 militia motorcycles destroyed near Tishreen Dam.
YPG and YPJ fighters suffered losses as well, with eight members martyred and 13 wounded during the clashes.
Defending strategic infrastructure
The statement condemned Turkey's continued violation of ceasefire agreements and accused Turkish-backed militias of attempting to seize the Tishreen Dam to weaponise its control against the Syrian people. "Their aim was to repeat their history of looting and destruction, but our resistance has thwarted their sinister plans," the Council declared. The General Command saluted the courage and sacrifices of its fighters, vowing to escalate the resistance in honour of the martyrs. "We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our people and safeguarding the sacrifices made for peace and freedom," it concluded. This victory underscores the ongoing resistance of YPG and YPJ fighters, as they continue to defend northern Syria against aggression from Turkish-backed forces. Ronahi TV produced a video interview with some commanders of this battalion, which is available here.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/ypg-ypj-fighters-repel-turkish-backed-militias-in-fierce-resistance-near-tishreen-dam-euphrates-basin/

Medyanews - December 14, 2024
<<Families continue fight for justice for relatives killed in Cizre massacre
On the ninth anniversary on the military curfew imposed on the Kurdish-majority city Cizre (Cizîr) in southeast Turkey and the following massacres by Turkish security forces, family members of people murdered during the time talk about the curfew and stated their commitment to seek justice for their killed family members. On this day nine years ago, a curfew was imposed on the Kurdish-majority city Cizre (Cizîr) in southeast Turkey, which had a population of 115,000 people at that time. For 79 days, the Turkish army bombarded the area from both the ground and the air. Police and military took the whole city under fire, resulting in the destruction of the phone, electricity and water systems and besieging thousands of people.
Inhabitants looking for shelter in their basements were murdered in brutal ways. At least 259 people were killed during these days by Turkish security forces. At least 177 of them were killed when the Turkish military poured petrol into the basements where people had taken shelter from the refuge and lit fires, brutally burning the people inside, or when troops stormed the basements and shot those present. The bodies of 14 people killed in the basements at that time have still not been found. In 74 other cases, the severely burned bodies could not be identified. These crime scenes have become etched in the memory of Kurdish society as ‘basements of horror’ and families of the deceased keep on seeking justice through legal channels, having faced rejection at the local courts and eventually at the Constitutional Court, which dismissed the claims, stating that no constitutional rights had been violated. Recently, families have applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). One of the most prominent cases is the case of Mehmet Tunç, who was the co-chair of the Cizre People’s Assembly in 2016. His brother Orhan Tunç had been shot by security forces in Cizre and had fled injured into a cellar. Mehmet Tunç then filed a complaint with the ECHR and obtained an urgent decision that the Turkish state must use all its means to protect the right to life and physical integrity. The government in Ankara ignored the decision and let Orhan Tunç die. Mehmet Tunç also died a few days later in February 2016. Family members of people killed during the curfew tell of the hardships they endured, the brutal killings of their loved ones and how they are continuing their struggle for justice. Taybet Yılmaz, the mother of 23-year-old Selami Yılmaz, who was wounded during the curfews and died in the basement where he was waiting for an ambulance, stated that she learnt the news of her son’s death from television. Yilmaz also explained the hardships she and her family experienced during the curfew. "We didn't have tanks or cannons, the state did. We were tortured. We were imprisoned in houses for nearly three months. We could not take our heads out of the house. We were hungry and thirsty," she explained. Talking about the death of her son Selami, she said that when he was wounded he "could have been saved, but [the Turkish state] did not let us." She emphasised that they will "never forget those days as long as we live" and that she does not "believe in the justice of this state" because she does not "expect justice from those who put us through this". Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Cizre Municipality Councillor Abdulhamit Poçal was killed when the Turkish military opened fire on him while he was out on the streets of Cizre to collect the bodies of those who had been massacred. Poçal's wife, Aslıhan Poçal, stated that they had returned to the village because their houses were demolished during the curfew, but her husband stayed in the district in order to not leave the people. Aslıhan Poçal stated that she received the news that her husband was murdered while watching television and that she was not allowed to take the body of her dead husband and bury him. Stating that she will never forget those days, she said, "That persecution is always in front of our eyes. I do not believe in the justice of this state. The justice that has not come until today will not come after this. The day innocent and sinless people were massacred, my belief in justice ended." Mahmut Tetik, the older brother of 35-year-old Ali Tetik, a father of five children who was murdered during the curfew, said that even though years have passed, the wounds are still not healed. Tetik said: "My brother alongside his wife and their five children were murdered in his house." He also emphasised that "We did not receive justice from this state. What was done to us should not have been accepted. We will not forget those days. It would be misleading to expect justice in this system. There is no justice in this system." But we will always stand against this persecution and we will not forget this persecution," he concluded, highlighting his commitment to continue the fight for justice for his brother and his family.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/families-continue-fight-for-justice-for-relatives-killed-in-cizre-massacre/


Nilufer Koq
Medyanews - December 14, 2024
<<Turkey is the major obstacle to a democratic Middle East: veteran Kurdish diplomat
Nilufer Koç, a leading Kurdish diplomat and MedyaNews contributor, argues that Turkey's policies under Erdoğan have obstructed democratic progress in the Middle East, particularly through its actions and conspiracies against Kurdish autonomy in Syria. Nilufer Koq, a prominent Kurdish politician in the Brussels-based Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), recently delivered a scathing critique of Turkey's policies, calling the nation the "biggest obstacle" to a democratic future for the Middle East. In her interview with ANF, Koç argued that Turkey's crackdown on Kurdish-led governance structures in Syria and Iraq, paired with its authoritarian grip domestically, hinders broader regional stability. Koç specifically pointed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ambitions in Kobanê (Kobani) as emblematic of his desire to dismantle Kurdish-led libertarian and confederalist projects. She argued that Kobane, a symbol of Kurdish resistance, has become a target for Erdogan's efforts to reshape the region's political map in Turkey's favour. "Erdogan does not want democracy in the Middle East because it would threaten his own authoritarian rule,” Koç declared, warning that Turkey's actions stymie progress in building inclusive governance systems. Kurds as proponents of democratic change The Kurdish-led autonomous administrations in Syria have championed principles of gender equality, ethnic inclusivity, and grassroots governance, the values that Koç believes threaten Turkey's Neo-Ottomanist geopolitical goals. Modern Turkey's Neo-Ottomanist geopolitical goals dated back to post-WWI claiming many Kurdish majority regions located in north Iraq and Syria, by wikipedia She criticised the West's ambivalence, accusing European nations of overlooking Turkey’s destabilising actions in favour of maintaining NATO unity. "Turkey weaponises its strategic position to silence criticism," Koç explained, urging democratic forces worldwide to push back.
A call for solidarity and action
Koç's impassioned appeal highlights the urgent need for solidarity with Kurdish movements. "Supporting Kurdish democratic experiments is supporting the future of a pluralistic Middle East," she argued. She called on international actors to challenge Turkey's military aggression and to prioritise dialogue with Kurdish representatives as part of any regional peace process.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/turkey-is-the-major-obstacle-to-a-democratic-middle-east-veteran-kurdish-diplomat/


Varisheh Moradi
Iranwire - December 13, 2024
<<Political Prisoner Varisheh Moradi Denied Life-Saving Medical Treatment
Varisheh Moradi, a political prisoner held in the women's ward of Evin Prison, is experiencing severe and potentially life-threatening health complications, with prison authorities consistently denying her necessary medical treatment. Sources close to Moradi's family report that she is suffering from intestinal bleeding and intense abdominal pain. Despite her critical medical condition, prison officials have refused to transfer her to a medical facility outside the prison. The only reported visit to a medical center resulted in her immediate return to prison without receiving adequate treatment. A Revolutionary Court in Iran sentenced Moradi to death last month on charges of <armed rebellion.> The court cited her alleged affiliation with the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) as grounds for the sentence. Throughout the proceedings, Moradi's legal team faced extensive restrictions. Her lawyers were denied access to her case file during the final hearing on October 6, as well as in previous sessions. Moradi herself was not allowed to present a defense in court. Moradi's legal troubles began on August 1, 2023, when intelligence security forces abducted her while she was traveling from Marivan to Sanandaj. According to the Hengaw human rights organization, Moradi endured severe torture at the Sanandaj Intelligence Department's detention center, including an incident where she reportedly vomited blood and lost consciousness. After spending five months in solitary confinement in Evin Prison's Ward 209, controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence, Moradi was transferred to the women's ward in December 2023.>>
Source: https://iranwire.com/en/women/137108-political-prisoner-varisheh-moradi-denied-life-saving-medical-treatment/

France24 - December 13, 2024 - By: Gregoire SAUVAGE
<<Syria undertakes daunting task of documenting scale of the Assad regime's crimes
Torture, executions, chemical attacks on civilians, ethnic cleansing, bombing of residential areas, using famine as a weapon of war... The litany of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime appers to be endless. After decades of impunity, international investigators are now hoping to obtain direct access to evidence documenting 50 years of abuses. The deposed dictator had maintained his father's repressive and fear-inducing regime, where any form of dissent could lead to imprisonment. This unrelenting repression reached its peak in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Since 2011, the UN estimates that more than 300,000 civilians have lost their lives and at least 100,000 Syrians have been forcibly disappeared. "The fall of Bashar Al-Assad represents an absolutely incredible opportunity," said Aymeric Elluin, Amnesty International’s arms and conflict advocacy officer. "We need to have access to primary sources to build solid and irreproachable cases, in particular to the places where abuses were committed. However, the regime has blocked our access to Syrian territory since March 2011. Our work has therefore been carried out from a distance, using satellite images and the testimonies of prison survivors who have taken refuge abroad." Despite being denied access by Bashar al-Assad's Syria, "we have been able to acquire a great deal of information thanks to Syrian civil society, which very early on collected testimonies and official documents", said Chloe Pasmantier, a lawyer with the International Federation for Human Rights.
A mountain of evidence
The Syrian regime's chillingly efficient bureaucracy, which kept meticulous records of its crimes, made this initial data gathering easier. The 'Cesar' dossier, which was discovered in 2014 and named after the military photographer who documented the grisly evidence, brought to light the industrial-scale torture inflicted on imprisoned Syrian opponents. His defection made it possible to compile a report containing 55,000 photos of 11,000 detainees who were tortured and died between 2011 and 2013 in several detention centres. Faced with this mountain of evidence, the UN set up the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in December 2016. Based in Geneva, this "facilitator of justice" is responsible for centralising evidence and providing input for legal proceedings opened at the national level against Syrian officials in several European countries.
For instance, three former high-ranking members of the regime were tried in absentia in France at the end of May and sentenced to life imprisonment. According to the French Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, which is also responsible for ruling on war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, 24 proceedings involving the Syrian regime and its auxiliaries are under way, reported French daily Le Monde. In Germany, Anwar Raslan, a former Syrian intelligence official, was sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity in January 2022. Raslan was found guilty of the death and torture of prisoners in a secret government detention centre in the capital Damascus between 2011 and 2012. The French courts also issued an arrest warrant in November 2023 for Assad himself for the August 2013 chemical attack on Ghouta, near Damascus, which killed more than 1,400 people.
Fear of destruction
Despite the abundance of evidence already collected, the fall of the Syrian regime has opened up a new field of exploration for international investigators by giving them direct access to official buildings and Syrian prisons. Syria is "the scene of the crime, so if we can have access to the scene of the crime, it changes the game for us", Robert Petit, the Canadian prosecutor who has headed the IIIM since the beginning of 2024, told AFP. "Especially as the regime collapsed very quickly, which no doubt prevented the perpetrators from destroying the evidence. This offers very positive prospects when it comes to searching for the truth," said Johann Soufi, a lawyer specialised in international law. The priority now is to preserve this evidence during the transition period. The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria on Sunday called on rebel groups to "take great care not to disturb the evidence of violations and crimes" by seizing prisons. "We must ensure that this evidence is not destroyed, not only by the rebels who have taken power but also by any other party or state. Israel carried out a large number of strikes on several military sites, including the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre, where the regime was developing chemical weapons. Crucial documents regarding the production and use of these weapons were probably destroyed in this bombing," said Pasmantier. According to Pasmantier however, the Syrians have all the knowledge and experience needed to collect and preserve evidence for use in legal proceedings. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and the new strongman of Damascus, reaffirmed on Wednesday that the torturers would not be granted amnesty.
Ending the 'cycle of violence'
It remains to be seen what will happen to those responsible for the crimes committed by the former Syrian regime. "One of the fundamental principles of international justice is that it is always up to national jurisdictions and the people to render justice to the victims," said Soufi. "Then, a country can request additional expertise and set up, for example, a mixed tribunal like in Cambodia or Lebanon. But this depends on the agreement reached between the United Nations and the requesting state." On the other hand, the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not currently have jurisdiction in Syria, as it has not ratified the Rome Statute, the international treaty that established this court. "Attempts by the United Nations Security Council to bring the case before the ICC failed because of Russian opposition. But now there is nothing to prevent Syria from ratifying the Rome Statute and submitting a request for retroactivity so that the ICC can take jurisdiction over the crimes committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime," said Pasmantier. However, it is too early to know whether the future Syrian judiciary or the new masters of Damascus will be willing to work with international actors. "It must be stressed that the rebel groups have also committed human rights violations. From now on, the armed groups that have taken power must respect international law and help to ensure that justice can be done in Syria," said Elluin. The UN IIIM investigators have said that they are ready to intervene in Syria, even though for the moment no contact has been established with the new authorities. That being said, the interim authorities have asked the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) to remain in the country, which sends a "constructive" signal, the organisation said Friday. The authorities have said that "they want us to stay in Syria, that they appreciate the work that we have been doing now for many years, that they need us to continue doing that work", Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR's representative in Syria, told reporters in Geneva by video link from Damascus. Llosa added that the interim authorities had also said "they will provide us with the necessary security to carry out those activities". According to the experts interviewed by FRANCE 24, the quest for truth and justice must be a central pillar of Syria's future.
"Impunity fuels the feeling of injustice and reinforces the desire for revenge between communities, perpetuating a cycle of violence. The only way to put an end to this is to establish justice that respects human rights. It can serve as a deterrent, demonstrating that criminal acts can have legal repercussions, even decades later," said Soufi. "Documenting the facts also means seeking out a historical truth that might otherwise be disputed," continued Soufi. "Lastly, fulfilling the needs of victims requires upholding their fundamental rights to truth, justice, and redress."
This article has been adapted from the original in French by Mariamne Everett. >>
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241213-syria-undertakes-daunting-task-of-documenting-scale-of-the-assad-regime-s-crimes

France24 - December 13, 2024 - Video by: Andrew HILLIAR
<<Life 'getting back to normal' in Aleppo after fall of Assad
Life in Aleppo is getting back to normal since the ousting of former president Bashir al-Assad almost one week ago. "The streets are heaving with people and traffic going about their business, reparing damage from the conflict, [and] removing signs and symbols of the Assad regime," said FRANCE 24 journalist Andrew Hilliar reporting from the city in north Syria.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241213-life-getting-back-to-normal-in-aleppo-as-fighting-continues-in-north

France24 - December 13, 2024
<<'Kurdish leaders' warnings went unheeded for years and years', analyst says
Since the fall of Assad, western capitals have been voicing concern about the risk of ISIS militants exploiting the political vacuum in Syria. Thousands of former militants are currently being detained in prisons and camps controlled by the Kurds. We speak to Matt Broomfield, co-founder of the Rojava Information Centre. He says that for years Kurdish leaders' calls to Western nations for the repatriation of jihadists went unheeded and now their warnings have come to fruition.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/a-propos/20241212-kurdish-leaders-warnings-went-unheeded-for-years-and-years

France24 - December 13, 2024 - Video by: Emily BOYLE
<<Syrian rebels uncover Assad regime's large-scale illegal drug laboratories
Sales of the synthetic drug Captagon were used as a source of funding for the brutal regime, making Syria its largest producer. Among the secrets uncovered by rebel fighters since Assad fled the country, large-scale illegal drug factories housed in villas on the outskirts of Damascus. FRANCE 24's Emily Boyle reports.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241212-syrian-rebels-uncover-assad-regime-s-large-scale-illegal-drug-laboratories

France24 - December 13, 2024 - Video by: Julie DUNGELHOFF - James ANDRE
<<Special report: As Syria's prison doors open, a look 'inside Assad’s terror machine'
Less that a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the world is seeing the first images of Syria’s gruesome prison system. FRANCE 24's James André, Julie Dunglehoeff and Sofia Amara met with some of the victims and their families. Since the gates of Assad's prisons have burst open, hospitals have been flooded with ex-captives and families desperately searching for their missing loved ones. FRANCE 24 reports from inside Sadnaya - the notorious prison nicknamed "the human slaughterhouse" - where anyone suspected of flouting the ruling Baath party line was jailed. Many of the former inmates appeared completely lost and distraught. One woman repeated the same sentence over and over while another former male prisoner has not spoken since his release.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241213-special-report-as-syria-s-prison-doors-open-a-look-inside-assad-s-terror-machine

France24 - December 13, 2024 - Video by: Andrew HILLIAR
<<Life 'getting back to normal' in Aleppo after fall of Assad
Life in Aleppo is getting back to normal since the ousting of former president Bashir al-Assad almost one week ago. "The streets are heaving with people and traffic going about their business, reparing damage from the conflict, [and] removing signs and symbols of the Assad regime," said FRANCE 24 journalist Andrew Hilliar reporting from the city in north Syria.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241213-life-getting-back-to-normal-in-aleppo-as-fighting-continues-in-north

Medyanews - December 12, 2024
<<Mazloum Abdi calls for diplomatic efforts for a peaceful future in Syria
Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) discussed recent developments in broader Syria and its implications for northeast Syria, highlighting the SDF's efforts to achieve a peaceful future for all people of Syria through diplomatic efforts. Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) discussed recent developments in broader Syria and its implications for northeast Syria, highlighting the SDF's efforts to achieve a peaceful future for all people of Syria through diplomatic efforts. In the interview, conducted by Xezne Nebi of the Kurdish Ronahi TV, Abdi reiterated the SDF's commitment to resolving the current conflicts in Syria through political and diplomatic means rather than military force. He expressed the SDF’s openness to a general ceasefire in the region, but also expressed doubts about whether the Turkish army and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) would respect the ceasefire. Asked about the recent clashes between the SNA and the SDF, which began in Tel Rifaat and Shahba, north of Aleppo, and then continued to the city of Manbij (Minbic), Abdi said that there were ongoing clashes at the Qara Quzaq Bridge and the Tishreen Dam, which connect the cities of Manbij and Kobani (Kobane). So far, all attacks have been repelled by the SDF, who report that the heavy clashes over the past few days have resulted in the deaths of 210 SNA mercenaries and at least eight SDF fighters. Abdi highlighted the importance of the defence points, saying that they lead to the city of Kobani, known for the historic resistance that took place in the city against ISIS in 2014. "Kobani is not only important for us Kurds, it's important for the whole world," Abdi said, calling for diplomatic and political pressure on Turkey not to attack the city. Abdi also revealed the direct links between the SNA and the Turkish state, saying that during recent talks between the SDF and the SNA on a ceasefire in northern Syria, the SNA had clearly told the SDF that they could not make any decisions “on their own”, but would have to “talk to the Turkish state first”. Asked about future talks between the SDF and the new Syrian government in Damascus, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the SDF commander-in-chief expressed his confidence in a peaceful future for all the people of Syria, stressing that the old Syrian regime under Assad "did not allow any political solution to the process" as the people living in the areas of northern and eastern Syria under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) were not involved in political processes. Abdi also stated that when the HTS began attacking the city of Aleppo on 27 November, they sent an official message to the SDF that their targets were "the Syrian regime and not the SDF or its areas". He stressed the need for AANES representatives to hold diplomatic talks with the new Syrian government, saying that "there should be a delegation [from AANES] to Damascus". Finally, Abdi stressed that a new phase has begun for Syria and that it's still unclear what this phase will bring, adding that "the situation remains dangerous", stressing that the state of emergency declared by the AANES will continue but that the SDF forces are ready and that "all the people of northern and eastern Syria should stand by our forces".>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/mazloum-abdi-calls-for-diplomatic-efforts-for-a-peaceful-future-in-syria/

Medyanews - December 12, 2024
<<US Senator criticises Turkish policies which 'support ISIS resurgence'
As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met Turkish President Erdoğan, Senator Chris Van Hollen urged the US to distance itself from Turkey and its Syrian National Army allies, accusing them of undermining anti-ISIS efforts. He called for strengthened support for Kurdish partners to prevent an ISIS resurgence. As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken concludes his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a US Democratic senator has stressed the need for the US to distance itself from Turkey and its allied Syrian National Army (SNA) forces. "Attacks from Turkish-backed militants are making it harder for the U.S. and our partners, the Kurds, to prevent ISIS from reorganizing in Syria. These attacks must stop - we cannot allow ISIS to regain its footing during this uncertain transition period," senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen posted on social media platform X on 12 December. "As we bid good riddance to Assad, and hope for a better future for the Syrian people, we must remain vigilant regarding the threat of ISIS and continue to support our partners the Syrian Kurds. This is not a time to let our guard down," Van Hollen said earlier this week.
Van Hollen is one of an increasing number of voices calling for the US to back up its Kurdish allies, and to prevent the Turkish-backed SNA, which includes former jihadist fighters, from sparking an ISIS resurgence.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/us-senator-criticises-turkish-policies-which-support-isis-resurgence/

Medyanews - December 12, 2024
<<Blinken visits Ankara amid fears that Turkish policy will stoke ISIS resurgence
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has visited Ankara to discuss "regional stability and partnership" and US-Turkey "commitments as NATO partners". The visit took place amid fears that Turkey's foreign policy could create an ISIS resurgence, and as Turkey-backed forces are looting and attacking civilians in Manbij (Minbîc), just days after the US-brokered ceasefire in the city. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has visited Ankara, with his team concluding meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nuh Yılmaz and Senior Presidential Advisor Akif Çagatay Kılıç. US Undersecretary of State John Bass posted on X on 12 December, "Visited Ankara today for meetings with senior government officials to discuss the situation in Syria, including how to protect civilians, preserve the integrity of state institutions, and support an inclusive, Syrian-led political process. We will remain in close contact with Turkish counterparts in the coming days and weeks."
Manbij ceasefire not respected
The visit by Blinken's team came shortly after the US brokered a ceasefire on Wednesday between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Manbij Military Council, which is part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkish and SNA attacks on Manbij have persisted, in spite of the ceasefire - including, on the day of the ceasefire - looting, torture and summary executions by SNA forces. The citizens of Manbij have been protesting against the SNA occupation. The Rojava Information Centre (RIC) reported on Friday that attacks on civilians have persisted, despite the ceasefire. Prior to the ceasefire, the US had voiced serious concerns over Turkey’s military activities in Syria, particularly in SDF-controlled areas.
Fears that Turkey and SNA will stoke an ISIS resurgence
Many commentators have warned the US administration over the last few days that Turkey’s policies could create a resurgence of ISIS in Syria.
SDF Commander in Chief Mazloum Abdi went on Sky News on Thursday to highlight the dangers posed by the jihadist SNA. "Global security depends on the stability of this region," he said. "We need stronger commitments from our allies. Silence in the face of aggression is complicity," Abdi argued.
Abdi's concerns were echoed by White House national security communications adviser John Kirby who said: "The US cannot allow actions that compromise our partners in the fight against ISIS." He reiterated that the SDF remains a critical ally in ensuring the defeat of ISIS. Also on 12 December, Blinken met with Abdullah bin Al Hussein, the King of Jordan, in Aqaba to discuss the situation in Syria. The visit signalled continued US support for the Jordanian state. Blinken posted on X on 12 December: "For the first time in decades, Syria has an opportunity to have a government that is run by and answers to the people, not dominated by a dictator, religious or ethnic group, or outside power. We're determined to work closely with partners so Syrians can realise that aspiration.">>
Source: https://medyanews.net/blinken-visits-ankara-amid-fears-that-turkish-policy-will-stoke-isis-resurgence/

Medyanews - December 12, 2024
<<Thousands rally in Manbij to condemn SNA war crimes
The SDF declared a ceasefire in Manbij to protect civilians from Turkish-backed forces, yet violations persist, including torture, war crimes, and field destruction. Protests erupted as regional power struggles and violence exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, highlighting ongoing instability. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a ceasefire on 11 December, brokered through international mediation, to protect the residents of Manbij (Minbic) Canton. This decision followed the occupation of several neighbourhoods in the city by mercenaries, who, with air and ground support from Turkish occupying forces, had advanced into the area. Despite the ceasefire, Turkish-affiliated forces carried out attacks on 12 December, involving the torture of Manbij citizens, theft of their property, and the burning of their fields. In response, thousands of residents took to the streets to protest these actions. Videos shared by residents on social media platforms highlight the significant number of demonstrators. Meanwhile, reports from the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) include verified photos and videos documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) in the Manbij area since 27 November. Published footage depict the field execution of four individuals by armed SNA militants. The footage shows a wounded man being shot at close range and orders issued for further execution. Another video shows SNA members torturing and humiliating three detained civilians. Victims were forced to imitate animals, with one militant mocking, "You are a dog, right?" Subsequent footage reveals further brutal torture of six detainees, including an elderly man, whose fate remains unknown. Surveillance footage also captured masked militants beating civilians, stealing phones, and attempting to destroy evidence, amid widespread looting of homes and private property. On 12 December, the information centre of the Manbij Military Council reported that Turkish-affiliated military groups had deliberately set fire to agricultural lands. According to Channel 8, the attacks targeted wheat and barley fields in the villages of Olshi and Boghaz. The fires began at 02:00 on 13 December and continued until 05:00. In response to these actions, the Manbij Military Council issued a statement confirming that, despite its adherence to ceasefire agreements, Turkish-affiliated groups, especially the SNA, continue to employ Turkish Akinci drones in their assaults on the Qara Quzaq Bridge and the Tishreen Dam, south of Kobani (Kobane). Additionally, Turkish warplanes have carried out over 160 airstrikes targeting military bunkers belonging to the Manbij Military Council. Despite this, the council reported the death of 210 Turkish-affiliated militants near the Tishreen Dam and Qara Quzaq Bridge, as well as the destruction of six Turkish tanks and five drones. The protest and march in Manbij on 12 December underscores the delicate power dynamics at play and the catastrophic outcomes of unchecked aggression in the region. As the conflict continues, the people of Manbij are confronted with an uncertain future, ensnared in the crossfire of regional power struggles and global apathy.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/thousands-rally-in-manbij-to-condemn-sna-war-crimes/


Turkey's drone offensive
Medyanews - December 12, 2024
<<Turkey's drone offensive faces resistance in northeastern Syria
Turkey's recent drone strikes on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) have claimed dozens of lives, including children. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the self-defense army of the region, responded with resilience, downing two Turkish drones and reaffirming their commitment to protect their people against aggression. Turkey’s drone attacks on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) have claimed dozens of lives, including children, and inflicted significant material damage since Sunday. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led force in the region, have responded with resilience, downing two Turkish drones.
Turkish attacks on AANES
Since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Turkish drone attacks have inflicted heavy civilian casualties in AANES territory. The bloodiest attack occurred in Ain Issa (Eyn Isa) on Monday, killing 13 people, including six children. On the same day, three civilians were killed in a drone strike in the countryside of Al Hasakah (Heseke). On Tuesday, Turkish drones struck again in the Ain Issa region, killing several members of the same family.
Since Monday, Turkey has continued shelling and drone bombings in Kobane (Kobani) and surrounding areas. A Turkish drone strike killed a 25-year-old man and a 12-year-old child in a village west of Kobanî. The same area witnessed a factory being targeted on Wednesday. Similar drone strikes were reported in Raqqa (Reqa). The AANES-based Rojava Information Centre (RIC) confirmed that at least 37 civilians have been killed since the Turkish military offensive began on Monday. Since Monday, Turkey has continued shelling and drone bombings in Kobane (Kobani) and surrounding areas. A Turkish drone strike killed a 25-year-old man and a 12-year-old child in a village west of Kobani. The same area witnessed a factory being targeted on Wednesday. Similar drone strikes were reported in Raqqa (Reqa). The AANES-based Rojava Information Centre (RIC) confirmed that at least 37 civilians have been killed since the Turkish military offensive began on Monday.
SDF response to Turkish attacks
The SDF is actively responding to Turkey's drone attacks. On Monday, the SDF shot down a Turkish AKSUNGUR drone near Tirbespiyê. The incident was captured on video and shared by the SDF, showing the drone's fall from the sky. On Tuesday, the SDF announced the downing of another Turkish drone, the ANKA. A video released on Monday documented SDF operations against Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces in Manbij (Minbic). Using advanced technology and drones, the SDF successfully repelled Turkish-backed attacks on the Qara Quzaq bridge and Tishreen Dam, showcasing modern warfare tactics.
SDF vows continued resistance
SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami, speaking to Kurdish TV Ronahi, emphasised that the SDF's strength lies in its fighters’ determination rather than just technology. "SDF fighters are defending the existence of their people with their lives," he said. Shami condemned the ongoing sectarian violence perpetrated by Turkish-backed SNA mercenaries in occupied areas like Shahba (Şehba), Aleppo, and Manbij. The multi-ethnic composition of the SDF - including Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, and other groups - strengthens their resolve to protect their people from atrocities. Thousands of people have fled to Raqqa and Tabqa since 27 November, seeking safety. Shami highlighted that the AANES model offers a safe, democratic space where all ethnicities and beliefs coexist peacefully. The SDF, with years of experience fighting ISIS, has evolved into a capable, modern military force. "Our priority is the protection of our people and regions," Shami asserted, recalling the sacrifices made during the war against ISIS.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/turkeys-drone-offensive-faces-resistance-in-northeastern-syria/

France24 - December 12, 2024 - Video by: Emily BOYLE
<<Syrian rebels uncover Assad regime's large-scale illegal drug laboratories
Sales of the synthetic drug Captagon were used as a source of funding for the brutal regime, making Syria its largest producer. Among the secrets uncovered by rebel fighters since Assad fled the country, large-scale illegal drug factories housed in villas on the outskirts of Damascus. FRANCE 24's Emily Boyle reports.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241212-syrian-rebels-uncover-assad-regime-s-large-scale-illegal-drug-laboratories

France24 - December 12, 2024
<<'Kurdish leaders' warnings went unheeded for years and years', analyst says
Since the fall of Assad, western capitals have been voicing concern about the risk of ISIS militants exploiting the political vacuum in Syria. Thousands of former militants are currently being detained in prisons and camps controlled by the Kurds. We speak to Matt Broomfield, co-founder of the Rojava Information Centre. He says that for years Kurdish leaders' calls to Western nations for the repatriation of jihadists went unheeded and now their warnings have come to fruition.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/a-propos/20241212-kurdish-leaders-warnings-went-unheeded-for-years-and-years

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