01.04.25 – 06.04.25
Israel attacks and tensions with Turkey
Israeli troops in southern Syria were met with resistance when some armed individuals confronted their advances with light weapons. After a brief exchange of fire IDF soldiers withdrew from the area, hitting back with artillery shells and airstrikes leaving at least 9 dead. Several Israeli airstrikes hit locations in Damascus, Hama and Homs, where Turkey aimed to build a military air base. Israeli state sources said the attacks are a warning against Turkish expansion in Syria, referring to reported Turkish plans to take control of Tiyas airbase in Homs countryside with a view to deploy air defense batteries and drones. Turkish official channels strongly denounced the Israeli attacks, but also stated that Turkey has no intentions to escalate conflict and risk war with Israel. Thousands of Syrians from Daraa gathered at the funeral of those killed by Israeli airstrikes and elsewhere protests were held to denounce the Israeli aggression.
Agreement on YPG and YPJ withdrawal from Aleppo
Following agreements between the provisional government and SDF, negotiations to normalize the situation in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo became the first visible step of the military reorganization of Northern Syria. A convoy of hundreds of fighters left the historic Kurdish neighborhoods of Şêx Meqsûd and Eşrefiyê, waving YPG and YPJ flags, escorted by forces of the Ministry of Defense. The convoy moved to Tabqa and other areas under control of SDF. The negotiations included exchange of prisoners, with around 100 prisoners from each side already transferred. Political agreements include certain autonomy of the local political institutions and organizations, as well as representation in the political organs of the region. Military forces connected with the Ministry of Defense will have presence in the area, but local Kurdish security forces (Asayish) will remain in the neighborhoods to ensure protection of the population, with agreements to integrate them in the security and police institutions of Aleppo in the future. Local structures will persist until a permanent solution is reached within the ongoing negotiations for all north-east Syria and freedom of movement in the city will be ensured for all residents. Observers suggest that the Aleppo Agreement could serve as a template for similar understandings in other contested regions of Syria, particularly where different military and political actors maintain overlapping spheres of control.
Assyrian new year and declarations against the new constitution
The Assyrian new year – Akito – was celebrated all along northern Syria on the first of April, with Assyrians, Syriacs and Chaldeans gathering to dance and celebrate. The Assyrian community also made clear at those events that they are not sufficiently represented in the new Syrian state, with declarations and statements denouncing the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the new constitution. Major Assyrian cultural organizations believe minorities are under threat due to the salafist ideology underlying the new government.
Celebrations for Ocalan’s birthday and the foundation of YPJ
On April 4th many people celebrated the birthday of Abdullah Ocalan. In Rojava it is common to organize reforestation events, planting trees to restore forests and celebrate nature. This is also the day that YPJ was founded, marking 13 years of struggle in defense of the people of north-east Syria and against patriarchy. YPJ organized events highlighting the importance of women resistance and struggle and the value of Ocalan’s ideas in the revolution of north-east Syria. In Bakur, northern Kurdistan, people marched to Amara village, the birth place of Ocalan. On their arrival to Amara village they called for the Turkish state to act following the message of Ocalan and take steps towards democratization and engagement with the Kurdish political question.
Rehabilitation works in Tishrin Dam
Technical teams have begun maintenance and repair operations at Tishrin Dam, paving the way for the restoration of its services and electricity generation. The dam has been a strategic point in the clashes between SDF and SNA Turkish proxies, suffering critical damage from Turkish bombs and attacks against SDF. As the military conflict slows down and negotiations advance, the rehabilitation of such critical infrastructure is a major step that can help provide electricity to the Syrian people. Clashes between Turkish proxies and SDF are not totally halted, but such initiative may suggest that agreements can make way for restoring Syria energy capacity. This would not have been possible without the efforts and sacrifices of the many civilian convoys that kept vigil on Tishrin dam, preventing further damage to it by Turkish attacks. The vigil goes on after several months of uninterrupted presence, keeping watch on the dam and supporting the resistance of SDF against Turkish attacks.
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[Extra info: raw bulletpoints on the Aleppo agreements]
The local self-administration agreed with the Syrian state on matters of security and stability. Points of agreement:
– Recognition and Protection – Şêx Meqsûd und Eşrefiyê officially as Neighbourhoods of Aleppo repecting and protecting their particular cultural, social and political identity
– Self-administration and coordination
– Inner Security – Asayish stay and will collaborate with Syrian interior ministry
– Disarmarment and Troop Movement – all armed forces of SDF will go south of Euphrates (implementation started already, convoi travelled)
– Demilitarisation of Public Space
– Security Centres installed
– Freedom of Movement – for the inhabitants of the neighbourhoods for travels in and outside of Aleppo
– Education System – so far no changes until DAANES will make a further decision
– Coordination between Regions – by special committee
– Civil Services – civil insitituions will work alongside of and equal to those in rest of Aleppo
– Representation in Public Institutions – full and fair acess to representation for inhabitants
– Prisoner Exchange – Complete prisoner exchange based on principle of mutuality
– Persistence of Local Structures – until a permanent solution