In the night of Saturday November 19 to Sunday November 20, the Turkish air force carried out large-scale bombing raids against the Kurds, in both northern Syria (Rojava) and northern Iraq (KRG area). Both military and civilian targets were hit, and civilians were also killed. The local authorities of the Autonomous Region of Rojava have reported that 13 civilians and 6 fighters have died. In addition to these Kurdish casualties, dozens of government army soldiers have also been killed or injured

Yesterday, Sunday 20 November, the Belgian-Kurdish community held a protest at the crossroads of Europe, in front of the Central Station, in Brussels. With about 120 participants, we denounced the aggression of the Turkish state. See the photos in attachment. (Image credit: Simon Clement).

Apart from the Turkish state's aggression, we have also protested against NATO and the US for supporting the Turkish army, allowing them to carry out such attacks, and not doing anything to protect the Kurds. If Turkey did not feel empowered by the West, it would not be able or dare to carry out such attacks. Today, Sunday evening 20 November, the Turkish Air Force carried out another bombing raid. This second wave of attacks has once again hit civilians. If the international institutions and governments do not respond, Turkey will intensify its attacks and proceed to a ground invasion.

Turkey argues that they are carrying out the attack in retaliation for the terror attack in Istanbul. But the PKK as well as the PYD and YPG have stated that they have nothing to do with this attack. They have made it known that they are waging a justified fight for the Kurdish cause, never targeting civilians. Everyone is convinced that this is not the modus operandi of the Kurdish organizations at all, only the Turkish government continues to believe in its own lies. Since that attack, many elements have emerged, including about the attacker, which show that the version of the Turkish state is incorrect. It should be clear that the 'deep state' within Turkey made or "ordered" this attack to have a reason to launch a new invasion against the Kurds.

As the Belgian-Kurdish community, we cannot stand aloof from so much hatred, propaganda and violence against the Kurds in the Middle East. We will continue our protests until the International institutions and Western governments take steps to stop Turkey and protect the Kurds.