Just Days After the Murder of 4 Kurds Celebrating Newroz Further Violence and Repression Have Reached the International Media Highlighting the Need for an International Intervention Ending Turkey’s Occupation of Afrin

The killing of four Kurds in Turkish occupied Afrin for celebrating Newroz has attracted global attention and condemnation of Turkey’s role in the ethnic violence carried out by its predominantly Syrian Islamist nationalist and Takfiri proxy groups. This report analyzes the incident and its aftermath, providing insights into Turkey’s inability to control its proxies and the Erdogan administration’s tolerance of violence against Kurds.
The Incident
On March 20, 2023, four Kurds were killed by pro-Turkish fighters while celebrating Newroz, a Kurdish holiday that marks the beginning of spring. The incident took place in Jindirsê, a town in Turkish-occupied Afrin. The victims were shot dead by the pro-Turkish fighters who had warned the Kurds against celebrating Newroz. The attackers alleged that the Kurdish celebration was against their religious beliefs.
Aftermath
The killing of the four Kurds has sparked outrage among Kurds in Syria and across the world. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of the victims, condemning the attack and calling for justice. The incident has also attracted the attention of mainstream media, who have criticized Turkey’s role in the ethnic violence carried out by its proxy groups.
Turkey’s Inability to Control its Proxies
The killing of the four Kurds is yet another indication of Turkey’s inability to control its proxies. Turkey has been using Syrian Islamist nationalist and Takfiri proxy groups to fight against Kurdish forces in Syria. These groups are known for their brutality, including targeting civilians and committing war crimes.
Despite Turkey’s claims that it controls these groups, evidence suggests otherwise. The groups have been accused of carrying out attacks against civilians, including Kurds, in areas under Turkish control. Turkey has failed to take any meaningful action against these groups, indicating that it either cannot or does not want to control them.
Erdogan Administration’s Tolerance of Violence Targeting Kurds
The Erdogan administration’s tolerance of violence targeting Kurds is a cause for concern. Erdogan has been accused of promoting a hostile and nativist rhetoric specifically aimed at Kurds, which serves only to encourage similar acts targeting Kurds across Turkey and Syria.
Over the last three days following Newroz, the Barzani-linked, pro-Turkey Syrian branch of the Iraqi Kurdistan KDP, ENKS party, has worked together with Turkish intelligence to repress planned protests and demonstrations in Jindirsê. The Erdogan administration’s tolerance of such actions sends a dangerous message to Turkey’s Kurdish population and Kurds in neighboring countries that their safety and rights are not guaranteed.
Conclusion
The killing of four Kurds in Turkish occupied Afrin for celebrating Newroz has attracted global attention and condemnation of Turkey’s role in the chaotic, ethnic violence carried out by its predominantly Syrian Islamist nationalist and Takfiri proxy groups. The incident is yet another indication of Turkey’s inability to control its proxies and the Erdogan administration’s tolerance of violence targeting Kurds. The aftermath of the incident, including the Barzani-linked, pro-Turkey Syrian branch of the Iraqi Kurdistan KDP, ENKS party’s repression of planned protests and demonstrations in Jindirsê, highlights the need for urgent action to protect the rights and safety of Kurds in Turkey and Syria.