A number of projects I contributed to, as well as some research work of my own, covering the destruction of PKK cemeteries in Turkey by the state, marketplaces in Idlib targeted by Russian and Syrian aircraft, the history of Afrin’s Alevi community, and more…
Author Archives: akmckeever
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…
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
Three reports published by Syrians for Truth and Justice I contributed to, covering the murder of AANES Health Authority employees, the bombing of marketplaces in Idlib by Russian and Syrian aircraft, and a look into video allegedly showing civilians killed by Turkish-backed forces…
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…
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. Green-lit by the withdrawal of American troops from the border region, Turkey’s invasion of the country’s northeast seeks to remove Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the area. Over the course of the offensive,Continue reading “Murder, Looting, and Displacement: Two Months into Turkey’s Invasion of Eastern Syria”
New Evidence Supporting the National Army’s Accusations in the Murder of the Kurdish Politician Hevrin Khalaf
Syrians for Truth and Justice’s deep dive into the murder of Hevrin Khalaf by Turkish backed forces, including open sourced analysis I contributed…
Following the Syrian oil trail
Research contributions made to an investigation by al-Monitor reported Amberin Zaman, looking into the exportation of oil from SDF controlled Syria into the KRG…
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”
Geolocation work for Syrians for Truth and Justice
Contributions to three reports published by Syrians for Truth and Justice, covering the destruction of a shrine in Afrin, civilian buildings hit by Turkish artillery, and a deep dive into the early stages of the civil war in the city of Ras al-‘Ain…