In brief
Turkish airstrikes targeting Kurdish facilities in Syria have cut off crucial water and electricity supplies to over a million individuals, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in a region struggling with severe drought and ongoing conflict. Critics urge an investigation into potential violations of international law.
Turkish airstrikes in the drought-affected region of northeast Syria have resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, leaving more than a million residents in Hassakeh without access to clean water and electricity. According to data compiled by various organizations, Turkey conducted over 100 strikes on key infrastructure—including oil fields, gas facilities, and power stations—between October 2019 and January 2024, raising concerns over potential international law violations.Water shortages had already become a pressing issue due to a prolonged civil war and a devastating four-year drought exacerbated by climate change. Turkish military operations directly affected the region's main water station, Alouk, which has remained non-operational following attacks on electricity infrastructure in October 2023. These strikes forced the local water board to rely on tanker deliveries from distances averaging 20 kilometers, prioritizing schools, hospitals, and vulnerable populations.Residents of Hassakeh now face dire conditions, often waiting for tankers to arrive to fill their containers. “Water is more precious than gold here,” said Ahmad al-Ahmed, a local tanker driver, as he witnessed desperate families struggling to obtain supplies. Reports indicate that conflicts over water have erupted, showcasing the severity of the crisis.Humanitarian officials and experts have highlighted the need for immediate action to address the worsening conditions while accusing Turkey of systematically targeting regions associated with Kurdish groups, which Turkey views as terrorist organizations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has characterized these Kurdish-led administrations as threats to national security.The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have also noted the severe impact of these military operations on civilians, with independent assessments suggesting that these attacks on essential infrastructure might qualify as war crimes. Yet, Turkey dismissed these allegations, claiming its operations adhere to international law and attributing the humanitarian issues to climate change and long-neglected infrastructure.Since the onset of a significant agricultural drought in 2020, residents of Hassakeh have witnessed increased difficulties in securing sufficient water supplies, with experts now calling for international investigations into the region's infrastructure attacks. Local leaders and residents are expressing a deep sense of abandonment and desperation, urging the global community to intervene and address their critical need for humanitarian support and sustainable water solutions.
