Seattle Kurds distraught, trying to reach home

Turkish troops continue to strike in Syria as Kurdish civilians flee for safety. In Seattle, local Kurdish communities are distraught.

The last time Fawaz Al-Houssein spoke with his family was two days ago. It’s been hard to reach them. He tried sending a message. “Only no answer,” he said.

Houssein says his parents and siblings are in Syria. No one is leaving their home. He’s worried about their safety.

This week the Trump administration said it would move troops away from Syria’s border with Turkey. Turkish forces have escalated attacks. Avan Shwany, program manager for Refugees Northwest, says with the news she can’t think of anything else.

“Like with work, I really can’t focus, when I’m with my family, we are watching, minute by minute and it’s really heartbreaking.”

Shwany says many Kurds feel betrayed, especially after having helped in the fight against ISIS.

“The war against ISIS, the Kurdish fighters did fight on behalf of the entire world.”

Shwany came to Seattle in 2012 on a special visa for her work on behalf of the U.S. government.

The Kurds have been without a state and are scattered across Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Armenia.