Turkish Airstrikes Cut Water and Power in Syria

Turkish airstrikes in northeast Syria have left over a million people without access to electricity and water, raising concerns over potential violations of international law. Between October 2019 and January 2024, Turkey conducted more than 100 attacks on critical infrastructure in the Kurdish-held Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged civil war and severe drought. The attacks severely damaged the Alouk water station, cutting off supplies to Hassakeh province, forcing residents to rely on water deliveries from distant sources. Turkey claims its strikes targeted Kurdish separatist groups, which it deems terrorists, while the AANES accuses Turkey of attempting to destroy their existence. Local residents now face desperate conditions, with reports of people pleading and fighting over scarce water resources. Climate change has further complicated the situation, contributing to the region's ongoing water scarcity.