Thousands of Syrians Face Bitter Winter After Being Driven Out by Turkey
Share This article
JERUSALEM, Israel – It has been nearly two months since Turkey invaded northeast Syria. The invasion has displaced hundreds of thousands of Syrians and with winter just weeks away, some are warning of a humanitarian crisis.
Last week, the Turkish military and their jihadist Free Syrian Army forces attacked a refugee camp in the town of Ain Issa, which translates to the “Eyes of Jesus” in English.
“There’s the shooting. The Turks and the Free Syrian Army trying to come into Ain Issa and this is a terrible invasion that has not stopped yet,” Free Burma Rangers leader Dave Eubank said in a video of the attack.
On Nov. 23, Turkish/FSA forces attacked Ein Issa, #Syria. The refugee camp is burning. We’re giving medical help as we can and will report more tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/0KI7ZT7qeH
— David Eubank (@DaveEubankFBR) November 24, 2019
The battle for Ain Issa is the latest battle for control of territory in northeast Syria and more evidence that there has never been a cease-fire since the beginning of the Turkish invasion more than five weeks ago.
Elham Ahmad, President of the Executive Committee of the Syrian Democratic Council tweeted:
SNA mercenaries forces supported by Turkish airpower started their operation today on the city of Ayn Issa. Turkey is telling the world that it ended the campaign against Tal Abyad and Ras Al Ayn to start new offensive again Ayn Eissa. Gradual occupation for the entire North. pic.twitter.com/0bGPOYbZB7
— Elham Ahmad (@ElhamAhmadSDC) November 23, 2019
The attack also comes outside the so-called “safe zone” announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Dave Eubank and his Free Burma Rangers team have been on the front lines and documenting the fighting and also the humanitarian crisis.
“These are some of the 300,000 people who fled the attack of the Turks and the Free Syrian Army now. Been here almost a month out in these tents. Now it’s very cold,” Eubank said in a video.
A quick look at families living in the desert here in #Syria. They’ve fled the Turkish/FSA attacks. pic.twitter.com/NN2lr6gmel
— David Eubank (@DaveEubankFBR) November 21, 2019
His team is distributing food and water to those left homeless by Turkey’s invasion.
From Nov. 19 - giving food and water to some of the 1000+ IDPs who have fled the Turkish advance. pic.twitter.com/lVGc1P2ehb
— David Eubank (@DaveEubankFBR) November 22, 2019
About 15,000 Syrian refugees have sought refuge inside northern Iraq, while the rest remain inside Syria. Both groups face the upcoming winter cold, rain and mud. Relief agencies warn some inside Syria don’t have clean drinking water and many need emergency shelter, food and fuel. It is all part of the humanitarian crisis that began with Turkey’s invasion in early October.
Share This article