Afrin: Kurdish National Council Calls for Removal of Armed Factions and Prosecution of Perpetrators

ARK News.. The local branch of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Afrin issued a statement on Thursday, June 19, 2025, condemning the killing of 17-year-old Mustafa Jamil Sheikho. The council called for the expulsion of remaining armed faction elements from Afrin and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.

Full Statement:

"Another crime has been added to the long list of atrocities committed against unarmed Kurdish civilians. On the night of June 18, 2025, young Mustafa Barzani Jamil Sheikho was guarding solar panels in his village of Haj Hasana, in the Jinderes subdistrict, when a group of armed thieves attempted to steal the equipment. As local youth tried to confront them, the attackers opened fire, fatally wounding Mustafa, who died in route to Afrin due to severe injuries.

Once again, Afrin bleeds. Once again, a heinous crime is committed by unknown gunmen.

This is not an isolated event.

Afrin continues to endure rampant theft, abuse, murder, looting, and kidnappings—targeting the region's indigenous Kurdish population.

We, in the Kurdish National Council, call on all relevant authorities to act immediately to pursue the criminals, combat corruption, and enforce the law. Justice must be served. We stand firmly with the victim’s family and demand full recognition of their rights.

Urgent steps must be taken to halt these ongoing violations and to hold those responsible accountable. We renew our call for the complete removal of remaining armed groups from Afrin and for the return of displaced families to their homes. With all roads now open and the dictatorial Assad regime no longer in power, the continued occupation of Kurdish homes is neither justifiable nor acceptable.

Mercy to the soul of the martyr Mustafa Barzani Jamil Sheikho.

Glory to the martyrs of the Syrian revolution.

Glory to the martyrs of the Kurdish people and of Kurdistan.

Death to the murderers and criminals.

Strength and solace to the family of the martyr and to our Kurdish nation.

May Afrin and its villages be blessed with peace, safety, and justice."

— Kurdish National Council – Afrin Region

Thursday, June 19, 2025

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