afrinpost-Exclusive
As the occupation of Afrin enters its sixth year, reports highlight ongoing violations against the original Kurdish inhabitants of Afrin by Turkish-backed militias and IDPs loyal to them. This is indicative of a systematic strategy aimed at consolidating control, implementing forced displacement, and effecting demographic and identity changes within the region.
On January 21, a disturbing incident unfolded as six IDPs, shepherds, launched a brutal assault on Omar Ahmed Allo, a Kurdish resident in his fifties, known as Omar Kaleh. The altercation occurred in the village of Barkashe, Bulbul district, when Omar requested the removal of the shepherds’ livestock from his olive field on the village outskirts.
This marks the second occasion on which Omar has been subjected to such violence, and his son has also faced repeated harassment and assaults, leading to his decision to relocate abroad. In a prior incident, armed individuals coerced Omar, brandishing a weapon and instructing him not to access his field. Defying their orders resulted in a physical assault.
Notably, on January 4, 2024, Hamid Mustafa, a 74-year-old Kurdish citizen, fell victim to an armed robbery. Masked assailants forcibly restrained Hamid, his elderly wife Fatima Hannan, and their 25-year-old daughter Khaledan. The attackers pilfered gold jewelry, mobile phones, $900 in cash, and $4,500 from an entrusted sum. Furthermore, they callously threw a clothing cabinet at Hamid, resulting in a broken hand, while his wife sustained severe bruises from the assault.
