SORGUL ŞÊXO

Zirgan (Abu Rasin) – The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions have recently intensified their attacks on North and East Syria, targeting civilians, including women and children.

Psychological impact of war

For five years, many women and children have been killed in artillery fire and airstrikes in the town of Zirgan, Jazira Canton of North and East Syria. People living under ongoing airstrikes and artillery fire suffer from psychological wounds of war. Many people have been killed and injured in the attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions in Mişêrfê, a village of Zirgan.

‘They attacked us by using drones’

“We are subjected to attacks every day,” said Rehef İbrahim, a resident of Mişêrfê. “The attacks have not only destroyed not only civilian infrastructure but also affected the life of women and children. My husband underwent a surgery. When our friends and neighbors came to visit my husband, our village was hit by artillery fire. They also attacked us by using drones. We could not see anything due to smoke. My son was injured as a result of artillery shelling. Children on the balcony were also injured. There were two children on the balcony, one of them was 12 years old while the other was 13. Both were killed in the artillery shelling. My sister-in-law and relatives were also injured. It was a terrible day.”

Children suffer from mental disorders

Rehef İbrahim pointed to the psychological impact of the Turkish attacks on children and said, “When children hear a sound, they cover their ears and hide in their rooms. These attacks affect both women and children. Since my son was injured, he has suffered from stress, depression and anxiety. He has isolated himself. He does not want to go out and play with other children anymore. Children in the village need psychological support to overcome the trauma caused by the attacks.”

Rehef İbrahim also talked about the displaced people. “They should be supported to return home, rebuild their lives. They also need psychological support. Our children learn what war is at a young age. They recognize the sounds of warplanes and artillery fire.”

‘We believe in ourselves, we will overcome this process’

“A peaceful life is the hope of all people,” said Rehef İbrahim. “We need centers providing psychological support. Playgrounds should be built for children. Women also need psychological support to overcome the trauma caused by the ongoing attacks. Healthy people can build a healthy society. Although this process is a heavy process for us, we believe in ourselves, we will overcome this process.”

‘I want everyone to return to the village’

10-year-old Ritac Ebdilbasit has witnessed attacks and massacres since she was five years old. “One day, artillery fire started at around 3 in the morning. One of them hit my uncle's house and killed everyone. One of my friends lost her hand in another attack. Another friend of mine was killed in an artillery fire. I live in fear of being killed every day because many people have been killed in the village until now. I want everyone to return to the village so that we can play together again.”