‘War is here’: British woman volunteering with Syria’s Kurds says civilians fleeing as Turkish assault begins 

A British volunteer with the Kurds in Syria has described chaotic scenes on the border of Turkey on Wednesday as civilians fled a Turkish military offensive launch.

Lizzie Irvine, from south-east Scotland, spoke to the Telegraph from the town of Ras al-Ayn, which has become the focus of the Turkish assault on Kurdish-held northern Syria.

"Since 4pm, artillery shells have been falling on the city of Hasakah. There’s smoke, columns of smoke rising above the city," the 30-year-old, who is a part of Women Defend Rojava campaign, said by phone. Rojava is the name Kurds have given to their autonomous territory in north-east Syria.

At least five civilians and three Kurdish fighters were reportedly killed…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

• Unlimited access to Premium articles 
• Subscriber-only events and experiences
• Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login