Displacement of residents of three villages in the Khabur area, Syria

In recent days, the frequency of clashes and the exchange of artillery has intensified between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stationed near the villages west of Tal Tamar and other adjacent villages along the front line, between the Turkish-backed factions stationed in the Ras al-Ain area and its eastern countryside. These clashes resulted in the exodus of all the Assyrian residents of Tel Shanan, Tel Kifji and Tel Tawil villages, respectively. They fled their homes in search for safety, after their villages turned into a battlefield between the two combatant parties.

The Assyrian Democratic Organization ADO strongly condemn the targeting of civilians in Khabour and all other areas. We call on all parties to stop these clashes immediately, safe guard the civilians from hostilities, and protect their properties away from political considerations and military quarrels. We see in the continuation of these hostilities a danger to depopulate and displace those who remain of our Assyrian people in their villages of Khabur, followed by the tragedy that befell on them in the aftermath of the 2015 ISIS invasion, which led to the displacement of the majority of the Assyrian residents of Khabur Valley; therefore we call on the countries involved in the Syrian conflict to pressure the opposing parties in the conflict to stop these hostilities permanently, and to allow the people of these villages to return to their homes and properties in an atmosphere of safety and stability.

Syria 10/6/2021

Assyrian Democratic Organization

The Executive Office.