I spoke to Ariz Kader about Afrin for his new podcast Siyaset, covering Middle Eastern politics from a (slight) Kurdish perspective. We discussed the region’s unique history as well as the current situation under Turkish occupation. I highly recommend checking out Siyaset and the two other episodes Ariz has published so far with guests AronContinue reading “Siyaset Podcast: What is happening in Afrin?”
Author Archives: akmckeever
Spring 2020 research work
Turkey’s Recruitment of Syrian Mercenaries to Fight in Libya: Process and Legal ConsequencesSyrians for Truth and Justice. May 11, 2020. -Assembled an array of open sourced materials relating to the presence of Syrian opposition fighters in Libya, and the transportation process facilitated by Turkey. Turkey grants Kurdish militants no peace, even in deathby Amberin Zaman,Continue reading “Spring 2020 research work”
Afrin Reference Guide
Over the last several years I’ve come across a number of resources relating to Afrin, its history and the current situation under Turkish occupation. I’ve begun to compile such here with the hope that it can be of assistance to others looking to research Afrin’s past and present. I plan to continue updating this asContinue reading “Afrin Reference Guide”
The Militarization of Jebel Laylun: Turkish Fortifications in Eastern Afrin
originally published on Popularfront.co In an article published on 16 April 2019, Rojava based Hawar News Agency reported on what it called a ‘separation wall’ being constructed along the eastern stretch of the Afrin district. This story was soon picked up by a number of local outlets and activist networks, sparking protests by native inhabitantsContinue reading “The Militarization of Jebel Laylun: Turkish Fortifications in Eastern Afrin”
Recent Work for Syrians for Truth & Justice
New Evidence Pointing to Ahrar al-Sharqiya’s Responsibility for Field Executions in Suluk during “Operation Peace Spring” February 1, 2020 -Analyzed the social media related to the capture of the town of Suluk by Ahrar al-Sharqiyah on October 13, 2019, as well as the reports and images relating to the murders of AANES Health Authority employeesContinue reading “Recent Work for Syrians for Truth & Justice”
Ahrar al-Sharqiyah: Additional Information on the Faction and its Founder
Over the course of our investigation into the murder of Kurdish politician Hevrin Khalaf, colleagues of mine at Syrians for Truth and Justice uncovered some interesting details regarding Turkish-backed opposition faction Tajammu‘ Ahrar al-Sharqiyah and its commander. Initially I had highlighted some of this information in a Twitter thread, but as the bulk of thatContinue reading “Ahrar al-Sharqiyah: Additional Information on the Faction and its Founder”
Murder, Looting, and Displacement: Two Months into Turkey’s Invasion of Eastern Syria
Dubbed “Operation Peace Spring,” Turkey’s most recent intervention into Syria has by now been going on for more than two months…
New Evidence Supporting the National Army’s Accusations in the Murder of the Kurdish Politician Hevrin Khalaf
published by Syrians for Truth and Justice Report I contributed to investigating the murder of Kurdish politician Hevrin Khalaf by members of Turkish-backed militia Ahrar al-Sharqiyah on October 12, 2019. Read the full PDF here: https://stj-sy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/New-Evidence-Supporting-the-National-Army%E2%80%99s-Accusations-in-the-Murder-of-the-Kurdish-Politician-Hevrin-Khalaf.pdf
Following the Syrian oil trail
OSINT research contributed to “Oil trail reveals Turkey funding Syrian Kurdish rivals,” by Amberin Zaman, published in al-Monitor, December 9, 2019 https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/oil-money-syria-turkey-kurdish-sdf-sales.html#ixzz68zemkfuP PDF of contributions available here: https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/files/live/sites/almonitor/files/documents/2019/OSINT%20Report.pdf
Afrin – Turkish-backed groups undertake live ammunition exercises in Iron Age temple
originally published by Syrians for Truth and Justice On 20 September 2019, opposition news outlet “Nedaa’ Syria” published a video[1] highlighting a live-fire training exercise undertaken by a special force’s unit of the National Front for Liberation (NLF). At just under three minutes long, the video shows fighters using small arms, including hand and rocket-propelled grenades,Continue reading “Afrin – Turkish-backed groups undertake live ammunition exercises in Iron Age temple”
