A BBC investigation reveals that Turkish military actions are exacerbating a water crisis in Northeast Syria. Human rights lawyers indicate potential violations of International humanitarian law.

Humanitarian Crisis in Haka

The city of Haka, home to one million people, faces a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change and military conflicts. Once reliant on the river Kabur, residents now struggle with diminishing water supplies. Many are forced to depend on unreliable water deliveries, leading to significant hardships for the community.

Impact of Military Operations

Turkey's military operations have targeted critical infrastructure in Northeast Syria, leading to widespread electricity outages and further complicating the water supply crisis. With the bombing of the Suedia power station, almost one million people lack access to adequate water and other essential services. These military actions are being questioned under international law, with claims that they disproportionately impact civilians.

Legal Ramifications

Human rights lawyers suggest that Turkey's actions could breach international humanitarian laws, as they target civilian infrastructure under the guise of combating terrorism. Investigations uncovered discrepancies in Turkey’s claims, revealing that strikes have hit non-military targets. This criticism raises urgent questions about the legality and ethics of Turkey's ongoing military campaigns in the region.

In a recent BBC investigation, human rights lawyers raised alarms over Turkey's military actions in Northeast Syria, suggesting that these operations may violate international humanitarian law. The Turkish military's targeting of key infrastructure in the region has drastically affected water supplies, adding to the existing water crisis caused by extreme drought. The situation is dire for residents, especially in and around Haka city, who rely on dwindling water resources. Historically, the river Kabur served as the primary water source for Haka, supporting a population of one million. However, climate change has wrought havoc on this region, leading to severe drought conditions. Now, the city's inhabitants face desperate challenges to obtain water, often relying on personal tankers and well sources that are unreliable and inconsistent. Ahmed, a local water courier, states that demand far exceeds supply, revealing the profound impact of both climate change and military actions on the community’s humanitarian situation. Furthermore, Turkish military operations have targeted facilities crucial for electricity and water supply, with details emerging about bombings that have destroyed the Suedia power station. This facility supplied power to nearly 900,000 residents, but its destruction leaves locals without reliable access to essential services such as running water and health care. Despite Turkey's assertion that its military actions aim to combat the PKK, independent investigations indicate that the attacks have hit civilian infrastructure rather than terrorist operations, prompting calls for accountability under international humanitarian law. If Turkey continues to strike essential facilities, the humanitarian crisis in Northeast Syria may intensify, making it imperative for the international community to take action.