Ethnic Violence Against Kurds in Afrin
Following Newroz celebrations, Saturday night many Kurdish people were targeted with violence on the road between Aleppo and Afrin. The attacks included beatings, burning Kurdish flags, destroying vehicles and further means to threaten. The trigger supposedly was the taking down of the Syrian national flag at the Newroz celebration in Kobane. Shortly after, the ethnically targeted violence started. There is further videos of some (partially armed) mobs and motorcades entering villages to provoke and seek out Kurds. In response, people on Heseke and Qamislo took to the streets protesting against the attacks and ethnic divisions.
Death Of Salih Muslim, Former PYD Co-Chair
At age 75, PYD politician Salih Muslim, who was part of PYD executive council, succumbed to kidney failure in Erbil. 2010 to 2017 he was co-chair of PYD and is also known as ‘father of the country/land’. His youngest was martyred as part of YPG in 2013 in battle against ISIS. In a large burial ceremony on March 13, he was buried in Kobane with high ranking figures of the Kurdish liberation struggle present, as well as a North and a South Kurdish delegation. Politicians Leyla Zana, Tuncer Bakırhan, highest SDF commander Mazloum Abdi gave commemoration speeches.
Newroz Celebrations All Around
Public celebrations for the Kurdish, Afghani and Persian New Year Newroz are being held in all major cities. The celebrations are not just a cultural expression, but an act of resistance in the face of decades of assimilation and attacks. This year’s festivities are held under the motto “Newroz of Freedom and Democratic Unity”. In Amed, the unofficial Kurdish capital, hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate. In Cizire canton (NES), many celebrations had to be postponed to 24 March due to the floods. Newroz is also being enjoyed across the diaspora, for example in Frankfurt about 50,000 people joined the festivities.
Prisoner Swap Syria and NES
On Thursday 300 detainees arrived to Heseke where they were elaborately welcomed. They were a mixed groups of SDF fighters, Asayish and civilians, abducted and held by the STG since January. On March 10th a group of 100 was already released. According to diplomatic talks the STG had 1070 AANES/SDF detainees. STG is also in possession of bodies of fallen SDF fighters that SDF seek to reclaim. Many hundreds of people from Rojava still remain missing.
Heavy Destructive Rains
Because of the sudden heavy downfall of the last week, many towns, roads (including the important connection road M4) and IDP camps were flooded. In some places whole houses were destroyed in the overflowing of rivers. Heseke, Zirgan and Til Temir are the most affected areas. Municipalities collaborated with internal security forces Asayis to help and evacuate residents in need.
Turkey Bolsters Armament in Face of US-Israeli Iran War
In the Kurdish region Meleti on Turkish territory, a patriot rocket defense system was set up, and generally as part of NATO measures, Turkish air defense is strengthened.
UN Report Concluding that Human Rights Abuses Persist in Syria
Various investigators informing the United Nations Human Rights Council reported on abuses including extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and abductions.
Two Members of Syrian Minstry of Defence Targeted
In separate incidents in Deir-Ezzor, two Defense Ministers were targeted by unidentified gunmen, one died, one was injured. In two further incidents, unidentified gunmen attacked Internal Security Forces of the STG, injuring one while others escaped.
Sipan Hamo Deputy Defence Minister of Eastern Syria
SDF senior commander Sipan Hamo accepts position as deputy defense minister of Eastern Syria after being appointed by SDF.
