KNCS official denounces use of civilians in conflict zones
“We’ve seen this happen before during the conflict in Afrin city, northern Syria (Rojava), and now it’s happening again at Tishreen Dam south of Kobani city, Rojava, where the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are bringing civilians into dangerous situations.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Jadaan Ali, head of the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS) representation in the Kurdistan Region, on Sunday strongly criticized the involvement of civilians in active conflict zones, calling on all parties to prioritize their protection and keep them away from military operation areas in a statement to the Kurdistan24 website.
“Encouraging the movement of civilians to battlefronts is a grave mistake,” Ali stated. “We’ve seen this happen before during the conflict in Afrin city, northern Syria (Rojava), and now it’s happening again at Tishreen Dam south of Kobani city, Rojava, where the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are bringing civilians into dangerous situations.”
Ali underscored that the primary duty of any armed force is to protect civilians, not expose them to harm. “Civilians should never be near combat zones. Their place is in their homes, contributing to society through peaceful means. The purpose of any resistance is to secure peace and safety for civilians — not to put them at risk,” he added.
He reiterated his opposition to the use of violence as a means to resolve disputes, advocating instead for dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
“We do not believe in military solutions. Dialogue remains the only viable option to achieve lasting peace and avoid bloodshed,” he said. “Our goal is to prevent the loss of civilian lives. Protecting civilians should be the foremost priority for all parties involved in the conflict.”
Ali’s remarks come in the aftermath of a Turkish drone strike that injured 12 civilians near the Tishreen Dam south of Kobani, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The civilians, who had gathered to support the SDF in its resistance against Turkish-backed factions, were part of convoys heading to the area since Jan. 8, following the withdrawal of the Syrian National Army (SNA) from the area.
Read More: SNA withdraws from Tishreen dam amid heavy fire: SOHR
The strike has drawn criticism from various groups, highlighting the security situation deterioration, and the economic downturn continues to affect daily life. Residents, already grappling with the impact of airstrikes and economic hardship, are left with little hope for a quick resolution.
Read More: Escalating Turkish attacks pose threat to humanitarian situation in Kobani
