ERBIL — Turkish forces launched a drone strike on a power station in Gir Kendal village near Derik in Rojava on Saturday, marking a sharp escalation in the targeting of civilian infrastructure, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The strike, which hit critical power infrastructure, is part of a growing pattern of Turkish drone operations in the region. Earlier on the same day, Turkish drones targeted a vehicle in Khan Jabal, killing two civilians.
Reports suggest that Turkey has mobilized specialized combat units, signaling a coordinated expansion of military activities in Rojava. Since the start of 2025, Turkish forces have conducted 23 confirmed drone strikes in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), resulting in 11 civilian deaths and 21 injuries.
The attack on the power station underscores a significant shift in Turkish military strategy. Beyond targeting combatants, the strikes have increasingly focused on civilian infrastructure, including power generation facilities, with potentially severe humanitarian consequences.
Observers note that such actions could disrupt regional stability and civilian welfare, particularly in areas already struggling with conflict-related challenges.
Turkey’s intensified military campaign occurs amid heightened tensions over regional autonomy and security concerns in Rojava. The escalation reflects a broader tactical shift by Turkey to extend its operational boundaries.
The international community is closely monitoring these developments, with growing concern over the humanitarian implications of targeting essential civilian infrastructure in conflict zones.