Press release

Syria: Turkish bombardment hits civilian population
Un Ponte Per, an Italian NGO present in the area, denounces: "Water and power plants put out of action, impossible to support the civilian population".

Rome, 19 January 2024 - "As humanitarian workers, we ask to be able to continue providing assistance to the people who have been suffering the effects of the war in Syria for over 12 years, guaranteeing them access to the support they need".

Thus Rizwan Ul-Haq, Head of Mission of the NGO Un Ponte Per in north-eastern Syria, with regard to the attacks that Turkey has been conducting on the area for months and that have intensified in recent days.

Since 13 January, in fact, the Turkish army has been conducting simultaneous air and ground attacks, indiscriminately striking the civilian population and vital centres such as water, electricity and oil plants, with very serious repercussions on the people, including the interruption of water, electricity and heating.

Over thepast few days, more than 220 bombardments have affected the areas between Derik, Qamishlo, Amuda and Kobane, in addition to the launching of a further 112 ground attacks. Ninety-two civilian sites have been hit and there are 12 victims. Already 9 power plants have been taken out of service, causing the loss of power in over 2,000 towns and villages.

The lack of fuel, water and energy is creating serious constraints on the humanitarian work of Un Ponte Per and its partners. Restrictions on movement will soon prevent the delivery of services and assistance to the population. The absence of electricity and water in the clinics and health facilities we support will make it impossible to provide health care and treatment, even life-saving treatment, to those affected.

"The situation is getting worse by the hour," continues the Head of Mission. "The population is without power and water and there are severe restrictions on their ability to travel. In the meantime, temperatures have dropped below zero. I cannot say how long we will be able to provide life-saving services to people who - it is worth remembering - need the assistance of humanitarian organisations to survive, guaranteeing them access to health, food, water and hygiene."

The gravity of the situation has already forced Un Ponte Per's operators in the field to stock up on fuel wherever possible, so as to be able to guarantee some movements and the operation of generators, necessary to keep clinics and hospitals operational.

Un Ponte Per has been working in north-east Syria since 2015, rebuilding the local health system in collaboration with numerous local partners. In these years together we have ensured the rehabilitation and creation of more than 15 clinics and hospitals and an ambulance system, guaranteeing the right to health to the population affected by 12 years of conflict.