Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
January 20, 2022
The criminal shelling that targeted civilians in the Afrin region in rural Aleppo late on Thursday is a war crime and a terrorist act that aims to undermine stability and discourage the return of the people who were forced by the PYD terrorist militia to leave their homes and used as human shields during the retreat of the PYD from the region.
The indiscriminate rocket shelling emanated from an area that is jointly controlled by the terrorist PYD militia the Assad regime. It targeted civilian homes in the town of Afrin late on Thursday, killing six civilians and wounding 24 others.
This revenge attack coincided with the fifth anniversary of the defeat of the PYD terrorist militia and their withdrawal from the Afrin region following the launch of Operation Olive Branch. The operation was carried out in cooperation between the Syrian National Army and the Turkish armed forces.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) calls for real international cooperation in order to confront this terrorist militia. It also calls for ending support and the provision of any cover for this militia no matter the justification.
The SOC reiterates its denunciation of the silence about the crimes of these organizations as it renews the call for the dismantling and withdrawal of all terrorist groups and militias as well as all foreign fighters from Syria.
We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish the wounded a speedy recovery. Putting an end to the crimes of this terrorist militia and the Assad regime is possible should all international and regional parties assume their responsibilities in accordance with UN resolutions.
