U.S. reaffirms support for SDF amid Turkish threats in north Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. State Department emphasized on Monday its continued support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), underscoring the SDF’s critical role in the Global Coalition to combat ISIS.
The statement comes amid escalating Turkish threats against Kobani in northern Syria, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the fight against ISIS.
In a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed the importance of the Coalition’s efforts, stating that the Global Coalition against ISIS, of which Turkey is a member, serves the interests of the United States, Turkey, the Syrian people, and all countries in the region to ensure that ISIS does not resurge.
Miller also highlighted the importance of preventing ISIS detainees held by the SDF from being released, warning against any actions that might distract the SDF from its essential mission.
“We’re going to continue to work through the – it is an extremely difficult issue,” Miller added. “but we’re going to continue to engage with our Turkish counterparts.”
The spokesperson reiterated the U.S.’ commitment to diplomatic engagement with all regional parties, including allies in northern Syria and Turkey, to enhance stability in the region.
“We continue to engage in very intense diplomacy with all the parties in the region – the parties in northern Syria, our Turkish allies – about anything that we can do to increase stability in northern Syria.”
The U.S. comments come at a time of heightened tensions, as Turkish threats and potential military action raise fears of undermining ongoing efforts to secure the region against an ISIS resurgence.