In a volatile turn of events, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have accused Turkey of targeting civilians in their recent bombardment of northeast Syria (Rojava), a claim fervently denied by the Turkish government. This ongoing conflict has further strained relations between the two parties.

The SDF reported on Tuesday that Turkey's airstrikes have resulted in the tragic loss of 11 civilians and numerous members of Kurdish forces. Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has steadfastly rejected these allegations, stating that their operations have solely targeted members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the SDF's backbone, the People's Protection Units (YPG).

The tensions escalated after an attack on Turkey's Interior Ministry on October 1. Two armed men launched the attack, with one of them detonating an explosive device. Two Turkish officers were injured in the attack, which was subsequently claimed by the PKK, a group advocating for increased Kurdish rights within Turkey but classified as a terrorist organization by the Turkish government. Hours after the attack, the Turkish armed forces conducted airstrikes against alleged PKK positions in the Kurdistan Region, as well as Kurdish forces in Rojava.

The SDF vehemently disputed President Erdogan's claims of having "neutralized" 162 Kurdish forces. "We want to emphasize that these claims are repeated lies and disinformation. The targets attacked by the Turkish occupation were primarily civic service facilities that served the local population," the US-backed force stated.

Furthermore, the SDF accused Turkey of relentlessly bombing sites in northeast Syria, targeting both military installations and vital civilian infrastructure, including power stations, oil fields, and other basic services.

Kurdish officials have joined the chorus of dissent, asserting that Turkey is indiscriminately targeting civilian facilities. SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi revealed, "During the past 72 hours, Turkey targeted more than 145 locations in our safe region, including power stations, water and energy facilities, hospitals, and schools."

As this conflict continues to unfold, international observers remain concerned about the rising casualties and the potential for a further escalation of hostilities in a region already marred by years of violence and instability.