Tishrin Dam in Northern Syria faces a real threat due to a military offensive launched by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) factions, using drones, tanks, and artillery against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Their aim is to advance and seize control of the Kurdish city of Kobani, following the capture oof Manbij City by these factions, which is witnessing severe human rights violations, including field executions, killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture. Today, its residents took to the streets in protests demanding protection.
Tishrin Dam represents a lifeline and vital resourc for millions of people in Northern Syria, providing essential water and electricity to the region. The ongoing shelling of the Dam threatens its collapse, which would result in:
- Mass displacement of people: Large waves of displacement will force thousands of families to abandon their homes.
- Environmental disaster: Long-term, irreparable damage, including the pollution of land and water.
- A major humanitarian crisis: The loss of essential resources for the population, exacerbating the already deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the region.
Our Call to the International Community and Key Actors:
- Take immediate action to permanently halt hostilities and prevent the collapse of Tishrin Dam.
- Oblige all armed groups to cease fire and adhere to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
- Provide urgent support to protect, maintain, and ensure the Dam’s vital services for the population.
Despite reports of a temporary truce in the region, our investigations confirm the persistence of hostilities around Tishrin Dam, where clashes and shelling continue, posing a serious threat to the dam and the surrounding population. This highlights the failure of the armed parties to adhere to any ceasefire agreements.
These attacks come at a critical moment when millions of Syrians breathed a sigh of relief with the fall of the Assad Regime. The United Nations and numerous countries have called on all armed parties in Syria to exercise restraint and halt the escalation, emphasizing the importance of respecting International Humanitarian Law (IHL), protecting civilians, and engaging in dialogue to build a new Syria.
Remaining silent on these developments will only deepen the suffering and destruction. We urge all parties to take a firm stand and act swiftly to avert an imminent disaster threatening the lives and safety of hundreds of thousands.