Solidarity with Kurds: Demo on Saturday in Hamburg-Altona!

Solidarity with Kurds: Demo on Saturday in Hamburg-Altona!

In recent days, the situation in Aleppo, one of the hardest hit areas of the Syrian civil war, has once again reached dramatic proportions. During a period from January 6 to 11, 2026, troops and militias of the Syrian Transitional Government, supported by Turkey and jihadist groups, targeted Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, particularly the Shexmeqsûd and Eşrefiyê districts. These areas, which are predominantly inhabited by Kurds, were not located on the front line but were affected by a massive attack on densely populated residential areas. As the Left Party Hamburg Reportedly, families, children and older people in particular have become victims of this violence.

The Syrian army has announced it will conduct a “limited military operation” to ensure security and restore public life. However, medical care in Aleppo is severely limited and many clinics, including a facility supported by the aid organization Help, have had to close. Over 50 percent of the medical infrastructure in Syria has now been destroyed. According to reports from the daily news Schools, universities and authorities as well as the airport are also closed due to the recent fighting and bombings.

Defense and retreat

Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are forced to withdraw from Aleppo. Instead, lightly armed security forces from the local self-government defend the city districts. The attacks are aimed not only at the displacement of the civilian population, but also at a demographic transformation that is accompanied by fear and economic starvation. Access to water, electricity and medical care is also specifically prevented. Such measures have been classified internationally as war crimes and politically motivated violence.

The situation is further fueled by the announced mass protests in Iran, where people are taking to the streets against economic hardship and oppression. In view of the repression and possible death sentences like that Federal Agency for Civic Education reports, Kurdish activists also face major challenges. In a further push, calls have already been made to the international community, which is refusing to welcome al-Jolani, head of the Syrian interim government, in Berlin in order to raise awareness of the needs of the civilian population.

Demonstration of solidarity

In order to draw attention to the situation in Iran and Rojava, there was a demonstration in Hamburg-Altona on Saturday, January 17th, organized by various Kurdish and feminist groups. Its key demands include an end to torture and executions, support for democratic and feminist forces and an end to violence against the civilian population. The current situation in Syria and the constant military attacks pose a threat not only to Kurdish self-government, but also to stability in the entire region.

The geopolitical situation is changing, and as the Kurds in Syria continue to be drawn into the conflict, it is to be hoped that the international focus on their rights will be maintained. Developments in the region continue to be of great importance and require a strong show of solidarity from the outside world.