Turkish airstrikes in Syria have left over a million people without access to clean water, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
At a Glance
- Turkish drone strikes in northeast Syria damaged critical infrastructure, disrupting water and electricity for millions.
- Over 150 locations in al-Hasakeh, Raqqa, and Aleppo were targeted, killing dozens and damaging civilian structures.
- The attacks exacerbated an ongoing water crisis in al-Hasakeh, impacting nearly a million people.
- Experts suggest these actions may violate international law.
- The region is already suffering from prolonged civil war and severe drought worsened by climate change.
Turkish Military Operations Disrupt Critical Infrastructure
Turkish drone strikes in northeast Syria from October 5-10, 2023, have had devastating consequences on civilian life. The attacks targeted over 150 locations in al-Hasakeh, Raqqa, and Aleppo, resulting in dozens of deaths, including civilians, and extensive damage to critical infrastructure. The strikes led to a complete cutoff of electricity and water supply in al-Hasakeh governorate, affecting vital oil installations and the only operational gas plant in the area.
The impact of these military operations has been severe, with an estimated 4.3 million people affected by the damage to infrastructure. Eighteen water pumping stations and eleven power stations were rendered non-operational, severely compromising access to basic necessities for the local population.
Northeast Syria: Turkish Strikes Disrupt Water, Electricity https://t.co/vEwVDiIAnC
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) October 27, 2023
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The destruction of critical infrastructure has exacerbated an already dire situation in the region. The Alouk water station, under Turkish control since 2019, has faced recurring disruptions, forcing residents to rely on expensive and poor-quality water from private trucks. This lack of safe water has led to poor sanitation and outbreaks of water-borne diseases, including cholera.
The situation is further complicated by the region’s ongoing drought conditions and the effects of climate change. The compounded impact of conflict and environmental challenges has pushed the area to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.
Turkish strikes in Syria cut water to one million people https://t.co/mHNigovN3o
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 19, 2024
International Law and Humanitarian Concerns
The Turkish military operations in Syria raise serious questions about compliance with international law. Under international humanitarian law, parties to a conflict are prohibited from attacking objects indispensable to civilian survival, including water and sanitation facilities. The deliberate targeting of such infrastructure could constitute a war crime.
Human Rights Watch and other international organizations have called on Turkey to ensure the optimal operation of critical facilities like the Alouk water station. They urge all parties involved to engage with UN efforts to establish a monitoring mechanism that would help prevent further civilian hardship.
Looking Ahead: Urgent Need for Resolution
The ongoing crisis demands immediate attention and a coordinated international response. While Turkey claims the attacks targeted Kurdish separatist groups it considers terrorists, the impact on civilian populations cannot be ignored. The UN and local authorities emphasize the critical need for the Alouk station to operate at optimal capacity to ensure sufficient safe drinking water for the region.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that a sustainable solution must be found to address the water crisis in northeast Syria. This will require not only immediate humanitarian aid but also long-term diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure and the restoration of essential services. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further suffering and work towards a stable, secure future for the people of the region.
