Die Story im Ersten
Erdogan's Fight Against the Kurds - With German Aid Workers in Northern Syria
2025 • E10 Jun 4, 2025 45m
As the ARD team enters a completely destroyed house in northern Syria, drones can be heard overhead. A nine-member Kurdish family was killed here in mid-March in a drone strike. Relatives claim it was a combat drone operated by Turkey. ARD correspondent Matthias Ebert sets out to investigate and search for evidence.
He accompanies German doctor Michael Wilk through northeastern Syria and repeatedly experiences drone strikes and shelling by militias. According to observers, the targets include water facilities, power substations, and even a dam in this oil-rich region. Kurds believe the attacks are carried out by NATO member Turkey.
Are these Kurdish propaganda claims, or is there evidence to support them? The documentary examines these allegations on the ground. It also explores what Erdogan’s conflict with the Kurds could mean for Germany and Europe: What happens if Islamist groups regain control? And how could Germany help prevent that?
He accompanies German doctor Michael Wilk through northeastern Syria and repeatedly experiences drone strikes and shelling by militias. According to observers, the targets include water facilities, power substations, and even a dam in this oil-rich region. Kurds believe the attacks are carried out by NATO member Turkey.
Are these Kurdish propaganda claims, or is there evidence to support them? The documentary examines these allegations on the ground. It also explores what Erdogan’s conflict with the Kurds could mean for Germany and Europe: What happens if Islamist groups regain control? And how could Germany help prevent that?