VIYAN AMED

Qamishlo- The Turkish state has launched airstrikes and attacks on Kobanê, Dêrik, Şehba, Dirbesiyê, Şera and Zirgan regions of North and East Syria since November 19. In the attacks, schools, public buildings, factories, hospitals, health centers and houses have been targeted. Committing war crimes, the Turkish state has killed many civilians in its attacks.  Hediya Ebdullah, Vice President of the Cizîrê Region Health Board, condemned the attacks on health centers.

Noting that the Turkish state has targeted health centers serving the people of the region, she said, “The invading Turkish state aims to annihilate all people of North and East Syria by attacking. It carries out brutal attacks on women, children, old people and youths. In addition, it attacks health centers, schools, grain silos and electric power-plants. Our people fought ISIS and saved the world from the darkness of this terrorist organization; however, the international community remains silent against the attacks of the Turkish state on our people. Many citizens have been killed and injured. Why do international human rights organizations remain silent against these attacks?”

“It is a war crime”

Noting that attacking health centers and public buildings is a war crime, Hediya Ebdullah said, “Heath centers serve people and every person has the right to health. Health centers must not be targeted in attacks. However, the Turkish state has carried out attacks on our hospitals and health centers.  Attacking hospitals and health centers is a war crime, according to international law.”

Call on international health organizations

Expressing that the relevant organizations should not remain silent against these attacks, Hediya Ebdullah concluded her speech by saying, “The invading Turkish state has carried out attacks on North and East Syria since November 19. Many health centers have been targeted in these attacks until now. We call on the international health organizations to fulfill their duties and to take a firm stance against the systematic attacks of the Turkish state. We strongly condemn this silence.”