James is joined by Robert, Shereen, and Gare to discuss drone strikes in North and East Syria. They explore the impact on Rojava's infrastructure and security, the emotional toll of watching drone strikes, and the recent increase in violence in the Middle East.
The drone strikes in Northeast Syria have caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, leading to power and water outages affecting millions of people.
The lack of support from the US in defending against the Turkish drone attacks raises questions about their commitment to protecting the region and their coalition allies.
Deep dives
Turkish drone bombing campaign in Northeast Syria
The Turkish state has launched a massive drone bombing campaign in Northeast Syria, specifically targeting civilian infrastructure such as electricity substations, water facilities, cooking gas plants, and oil structures. This campaign has resulted in the loss of lives, including civilians and internal security forces. The drone strikes have caused widespread power and water outages, affecting around 2 million people. The attacks have also increased the fear and danger faced by the local population, as well as enabling non-state armed groups to gain funding and create insecurity in the region.
US involvement and responsibility
Despite being allies in the fight against ISIS, the US has not provided support to defend against the Turkish drone attacks or protect civilian populations. The US presence in the region, primarily based in Al-Hasakah, has not taken action to shoot down the drones targeting infrastructure and causing harm to civilians. The lack of support has raised concerns about the role of the coalition and the US's commitment to protecting the region from attacks.
Impacts and consequences
The ongoing drone bombing campaign has resulted in loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and limited access to essential services such as power, water, and cooking gas. This has created significant challenges and hardships for the local population, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks and endangering their safety. The attacks have also disrupted anti-narcotics operations and compromised the security forces' ability to counter terrorism and maintain stability in the region. The consequences of the campaign are escalating violence, increasing fear and insecurity, and contributing to a worsening humanitarian situation.
Ways to support and make a difference
Individuals can make a positive impact by providing support through donations, fundraising, and organizing resources to assist affected communities. Collaborating with organizations like the Rajava Information Center and contributing monetary aid can help alleviate the suffering of civilians and strengthen their resilience in the face of ongoing attacks. By actively engaging in efforts to address the humanitarian crisis, individuals can contribute towards creating a safer and more stable future for the region.