ANKARA – Cihan Aydın, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD), warned that the ongoing attacks against Kurds carry the risk of leading to genocide, stating, “A ceasefire must not be a tactical argument; the focus must be on achieving lasting peace.”

 

Despite the declared ceasefire, Turkey-affiliated paramilitary groups, ISIS, and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) continue their attacks on Rojava. An examination of the situation on the ground following the ceasefire declaration—particularly the continued attacks targeting Kobanê and Qamişlo—has sparked debate over what many describe as a “deceptive ceasefire.” Information coming from the region reveals that civilian settlements continue to be targeted despite the ceasefire. Many observers have drawn comparisons between this situation and Israel’s ceasefire processes in Gaza.

 

Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA), İHD Co-Chair Cihan Aydın emphasized that the ongoing attacks pose a serious risk of genocide, reiterating that “a ceasefire must not be reduced to a tactical argument, but should be oriented toward securing lasting peace.”

 

Aydın stated that İHD is closely monitoring the attacks targeting North and East Syria and expressed deep concern over the expanding HTS assaults, which began in Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo. Referring to footage reflected in the media, Aydın said, “We have previously underlined that the execution of civilians, torture and ill-treatment, and the direct targeting of civilian infrastructure such as residential areas, schools, and hospitals clearly violate the Geneva Conventions and constitute war crimes. We will continue our efforts to ensure that individuals or groups responsible for these crimes are brought before judicial mechanisms within the framework of war crimes.”

 

‘THE CEASEFIRE MUST AIM TO RESULT IN PEACE’

 

Highlighting the importance of a peaceful resolution, Aydın addressed the continued attacks by HTS, Turkey-backed groups, and ISIS despite the declared ceasefire, stating: “The continuation of ceasefire processes is only possible if the parties remain committed to them. Moreover, a ceasefire should not be a tactical argument; the ultimate goal must be an absolute state of non-conflict and the achievement of lasting peace. There is extensive experience showing that tactical ceasefire periods, while sometimes effective, are often violated. Therefore, ceasefire processes must aim to conclude with genuine reconciliation and peace.”

 

‘THE SYRIAN REGIME HAS TURNED INTO A CHESSBOARD’

 

Noting that the Syrian regime’s stance has become increasingly unpredictable, Aydın said: “The political situation in Syria changes on a moment-to-moment basis. In particular, the Syrian regime has turned into a multi-actor chessboard—sometimes involving actors aligned with one another, at other times in conflict. A single move may satisfy one side while clashing with the interests of another, resulting in unpredictable political chaos. In an effort to appease everyone to some extent, the regime is pursuing an asymmetric and reckless conflict strategy. As a result, Syria has become a puppet of regional and international powers with political and economic interests in the country. It does not appear possible to build a democratic Syria out of this interest-driven chaos.”

 

‘THERE IS A RISK OF LEADING TO GENOCIDE’

 

Warning that the continuation of the attacks could lead to a major tragedy, Aydın stated: “The state of war spreading across Syria carries the risk of a massive humanitarian catastrophe, even genocide. We have not forgotten what recently happened to the Yazidi community. War crimes and crimes against humanity committed as a result of the war in Syria have unfolded before the eyes of the world. The continuation of these attacks could lead to the repetition of this tragedy, the displacement of thousands of people, and a new wave of migration. Such a potential catastrophe has the capacity to reshape the region’s political, social, and economic dynamics. It is clear that years of war and denial policies have failed to resolve the problem and have instead deepened political, social, and economic crises. We call on all parties to adopt their political positions with this reality in mind.”

 

MA / Deniz Karabudak