(London, United Kingdom) On Friday March 21st the village of Kessab, a historically Christian Armenian region in Syria which borders Turkey, was the object of violent attacks which aroused deep emotion and very serious concerns in Armenia as well as among the Armenian diaspora. Turkey reportedly allowed hundreds of radical foreign fighters to cross its border and attack the civilian population. Various news sources are reporting that the extremists are part of the al‐Nusra Front, which is a wing of al‐Qaeda, a United Kingdom designated terrorist group.
Within days of the launched attack from Turkey, nearly the entire population of Christian Armenians have fled to neighbouring Latakia and Bassit to avoid slaughter. Civilians, who were not able to flee, have reportedly been taken hostage, while churches and homes are being systematically desecrated and looted.
Turkeys’ facilitation of al‐Qaeda affiliated foreign fighters and their attacks on innocent civilians in Syria undermines ongoing British and international efforts to bring peace to a country ravaged by violence for far too long.
For Armenians in the region and around the world, this offensive is horrifying and a bitter reminder of the genocide committed against the Armenian, Pontian and Syriac communities by Ottoman Turkish authorities from 1915‐1923.
The International Community has the duty and the responsibility to stop Turkey’s atrocities and assistance to these radical groups and sending a clear message that targeted military strikes against innocent civilians is unacceptable under any circumstances and a clear violation of international law.
The Armenian National Committee of United Kingdom has taken actions to raise concerns in political circles about the gravity of the situation and call on your support to help to stop this offensive and protect thousands of innocent people who aspire to live in peace.
For more information, please contact Mr Sevan Artin, Chairman on 07900 244 272
Photo: The Holy Mother of God, Armenian Church in Kessab