Turkey is intensifying its attacks on the Syrian town of Ain Issa, in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, according to a commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

On Wednesday, mercenaries were thwarted by defensive forces in the village of Seyda. ANF News reports that Aziz Xerbîsan, an SDF commander, claimed there were “about fifty attackers” entering the area from multiple points. “The attack was well organised”, said Xerbîsan. “The Turkish army and allied mercenaries tried to enter the town from three sides, via Seyda in the northeast, the M4 and Ain Issa Camp in the northwest”. Ten of the mercenaries were killed, according to ANF News, and many were injured.

Recent attacks have especially affected civilians. “The attacks have caused extensive material damage to the homes and farmland of the civilian population”, said Xerbîsan. “Even motorists are being shot at. The main focus of the attacks is the expulsion of the traditional inhabitants. Such attacks are defined as war crimes. The USA and Russia, under whose aegis the ceasefire agreement was signed last fall, are merely watching”.

Xerbîsan claims the Turkish state and its militias are in preparation for a major war against Ain Issa and the western landscape of Girê Spî. “We know about tunnel diggings and arms transports. Furthermore, the occupation forces are working to increase the number of their checkpoints and bases. Several positions have already been excavated off Seyda. The next step is apparently to build a base in the village”.