Turkey is systematically violating the ceasefire agreed with Russia in northern Syria. The attacks on the civilian population by the Turkish invading troops and their jihadist allies are tolerated both by Moscow, as Syria's protective power, and by the troops of the Assad regime. Particularly in Til Temir (Tal Tamr), Ain Issa and Zirgan (Abu Rassan), there are continuing large-scale artillery attacks and air raids on the largely Christian populated settlement areas.

It is not surprising, however, that Russia and the regime have so far failed to respond to the attacks in any way, says Aday Rabo, one of the commanders of the Syriac Military Council (Mawtbo Folhoyo Suryoyo, MFS), that like the Khabur Guards defend the region. The ceasefire exists only on paper, Syrian and Russian troops are only present in appearance, he says.

"In the last few days we have witnessed an intensification of the military activities of the Turkish army and its auxiliary troops. There are continuous attempts to occupy more villages in the Khabur region. So far, the military council has been able to fend off these attacks. We are reacting on the basis of legitimate self-defence," explains Aday Rabo.

According to the MFS commander, the attacks aimed at expanding the Turkish occupation zone in northern Syria are concentrated on the villages of Tel Al-Ward, Um Hermel and Al-Rabiat in Zirgan and Um al-Kef, Um al-Khair, Dardra, Tel Keifji and Tal Tawil in Til Temir. "These villages continue to be attacked with heavy weapons, and grenades regularly strike. All attacks are coordinated by reconnaissance drones of the Turkish army," Rabo explains.

The larger village of Dardara, which lies between Til Temir and Zirgan, is particularly hard hit by occupation attacks. Rabo explains this with its strategic location: "Dardara is located at a junction and connects the important traffic routes. By taking the area, the occupying forces would succeed in cutting the connection between Til Temir and Zirgan".

Rabo points out that the attacks on the civilian population by the Erdoğan regime have so far been tolerated by Russia as well as attacks on the troops of the Assad regime allied with it: "There have been repeated attacks by Turkish-backed jihadists on military posts of Russian and Syrian soldiers. However, there is no reaction against Turkey.”