Since January 8, the society of Northeastern Syria has been resisting the brutal attacks of the Turkish state at the Tishreen Dam in Northern Syria. Videos have been shared of bombs exploding in the middle of a fearless group of civilians dancing and defending their home. A delegation of young internationalist women sent us videos and vocal messages telling about the resistance in Tishreen.
Humanitarian Crisis in Rojava: Turkish Airstrikes Threaten Tishreen Dam
The Tishreen Dam, a vital infrastructure located on the Euphrates River in northern Syria, has become subject to intensified Turkish airstrikes since December 8, 2024. This dam, crucial for generating electricity and supplying water for irrigation and daily needs, serves hundreds of thousands of residents in Rojava. Recent attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage, amplifying calls for international action to prevent further humanitarian and environmental crises.
Civilian Casualties and Widespread Damage
On January 20, Turkish forces conducted airstrikes near the Tishreen Dam, killing at least two civilians and injuring more than 70 others. According to reports from Hawar News Agency, the strikes inflicted significant damage to critical infrastructure, including residential areas and public facilities, leaving communities devastated and fearful.
Eyewitness testimonies, gathered by Jinha Agency, painted a vivid picture of chaos in the aftermath of the attacks. Emergency responders rushed to treat victims, many of whom sustained severe injuries. Survivors described narrow escapes and the destruction of their homes, pushing the displacement of families already struggling with the ongoing regional conflict. The protests on the Tishreen Dam having started on the 8th of January, “the number of martyrs as a result of Turkish attacks against protesters reaches about 20 citizens, while more than 120 others were injured” according to Hawar News Agency. In addition to this civilian massacre, many casualties including healthcare workers and journalists have been reported.
Resistance in Kobanê and at the Tishreen Dam
Today, January 26, is Kobanê Liberation Day. In 2015, the small town of Kobanê became known around the world for its resistance against ISIS. Especially the strong will and the courage of the society and the YPJ Women Defense Forces inspired people all over the world. Despite the dangers, the civilians of northeastern Syria have always mobilized in defiance of their territory. Whether in Kobane or in Tishreen, the society resists all attacks from the outside, even if it means giving one’s life defending one’s land. For the local population, the dam is not only a lifeline for water and electricity, but also a testament to their autonomous governance and collective resilience. Among the martyrs of past airstrikes was a prominent Kurdish artist, Cûma Xelîl (also known as Bavê Teyar), whose work symbolized peace and cultural resistance.
Furthermore, Medyanews stated that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has reported 81 martyrs.
Broader Regional Implications
Turkey’s recent airstrikes are part of a broader genocidal strategy targeting Kurdish-administered areas in Syria, raising alarm among human rights organizations and regional experts. These attacks on the Tishreen Dam could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis, potentially causing widespread water shortages and energy disruptions. Such outcomes would increase the hardships faced by displaced populations and hurt post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
The YPJ Information & Documentation Office states:
“The Tishreen Dam, located east of Aleppo on the Euphrates River, is part of the vital civil infrastructure in North and East Syria. The dam provides around one million people with agricultural, water and electricity needs. Turkey has been bombing its vicinity since the 9th December 2024 nearly on a daily basis with drones and occasionally with warplanes. If the Tishreen Dam, which holds 2 billion cubic meters of water, collapses, the dam will spill into the
Euphrates River. Even under the precautionary measure of opening all river gates, the level of water will reach 16 billion cubic meters, far exceeding the river beds, meaning it will flood the surrounding areas. The consequences of the flooding would reach as far as Raqqa and possible even Iraq.“
The perceived inaction of the international community has further inflamed tensions. Critics argue that failing to address Turkey’s aggression risks undermining long-term stability in northern Syria and jeopardizing fragile recovery efforts following years of conflict with ISIS.
