afrinpost-Exclusive
In a troubling development, Turkish-backed armed militants, alongside IDP collaborators, have intensified their campaign of illegal deforestation in the Afrin region of northern Syria. According to sources close to afrinpost, approximately 135 olive trees and two walnut trees have fallen victim to this destructive spree, devastating the agricultural landscape and threatening the livelihoods of indigenous Kurdish residents.
The targeted trees, including 90 olive trees and two substantial walnut trees in the village of Dikmedash in the Shara district, were unlawfully felled by these militants. The olive groves belonged to Hanan Khwja, a displaced person now residing in Istanbul, Turkey.
Furthermore, 45 olive trees owned by Khalil Mohammed Abdo, another displaced resident, were mercilessly cut down in the village of Ashkan, located east of the Jindires sub-district. The loss of these trees not only undermines the agricultural heritage of the region but also poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability.
