AANES stresses liberation of Afrin necessary for stability in Syria
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) stated on Monday, that liberating Afrin region, northwestern Syria, and ending Turkey’s presence in Syria are necessary for achieving stability in the country.
The AANES’ statement emphasized that Afrin was occupied as a result of a collusion and agreements between various actors and parties, which had negative consequences, including the influx of the militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front), as well as other extremist factions.
The AANES’ statement came on the sixth anniversary of Turkey’s occupation of Afrin along with its affiliated armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), which occurred in March 18, 2018 after launching a military operation dubbed “Olive Branch.”
The AANES pointed out that Turkey directs SNA factions to commit violations and change the demographics of Afrin, adding that the continuation of the Turkish occupation is a blatant transgression on Syria’s unity and people.
The AANES stressed that it mobilizes all resources to liberate Afrin and ensure a dignified return for its inhabitants.
Additionally, it demanded the establishment of a fact-finding international inquiry committee to document violations, and hold the perpetrators accountable, including Turkish officials.
Moreover, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political umbrella for the AANES and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), urged on Sunday the international community to act and end Turkey’s occupation of Afrin region and other cities in Syria.