PROTESTERS gathered on Dublin's O'Connell Street on Wednesday to protest the recent Turkish invasion of northern Syria.

Turkey launched the invasion, in support of the so-called Free Syrian Army jihadist rebels under the pretext of fighting the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) but has instead focused its firepower on Kurdish-led, anti-ISIS militias.

Speaking at the protest, Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion said Turkey's tactics are fooling nobody:

“The Turkish Government fears the progressive, popular, secular and democratic foundations of the Kurdish Rojava region. They fear the empowerment that Rojava provides its citizens and its threat to the status quo.”

The Turkish intervention around the border town of Jarabulus seems aimed at ensuring Kurdish enclaves in Syria's north-east and north-west do not unite once ISIS is expelled from areas north of Aleppo City.

Both the Syrian and Russian governments have slammed the Turkish intervention, calling on Turkey to work with others to fight ISIS. The US has also expressed concerns at the increasingly erratic actions of its NATO ally.

The Carlow/Kilkenny TD outlined her support for the “anti-sectarian and progressive” principles of the Kurdish movement:

“As a feminist, the empowerment of women in aspects of society in Rojava is particularly impressive and welcome. It stands in marked contrast to the feudal barbarism of ISIS and other jihadi groups in the area, as well as the Turkish Government’s hostility towards women and feminism.”

The Sinn Féin TD called on Turkish forces to withdraw from Rojava and stop its war on Kurds in both Turkey and Syria, and instead refocus on fighting the so-called Islamic State:

“As a TD I am here to protest Turkey’s invasion and I want to reiterate my solidarity, and that of Sinn Féin’s, to the people of Rojava.”