U.S. officials warn Turkey plans incursion into Kurdish areas in Syria
KOBANI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. officials raised on Monday concerns over Turkey’s military buildup along the Syrian border, suggesting that Ankara is preparing for a large-scale operation into areas controlled by US-backed Kurdish forces.
A Turkish cross-border operation could be imminent, one of the U.S. officials said.
The buildup, which began after Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell in early December, appears similar to Turkish military moves ahead of its 2019 invasion of northeast Syria. “We are focused on it and pressing for restraint,” another of the U.S. officials said.
Ilham Ahmad, co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, warning that a Turkish military offensive seemed imminent.
She called on Trump to exert pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to halt any cross-border action.
“Turkey’s goal is to establish de facto control over our land before you take office, forcing you to engage with them as rulers of our territory,” Ahmad wrote in a letter send to Trump and viewed by The Wall Street Journal. “If Turkey proceeds with its invasion, the consequences will be catastrophic.”
U.S. officials confirmed that Turkey’s military presence includes Turkish-backed factions, commandos, and heavy artillery near Kobani. One official suggested that a Turkish incursion could be imminent.
“From across the border, we can already see Turkish forces amassing, and our civilians live under the constant fear of imminent death and destruction,” the AANES official emphasized.
She warned that a Turkish invasion could displace more than 200,000 Kurdish civilians in Kobani, along with many Christian communities.
Ahmed urged Trump to use his influence, stating, “We believe you hold the power to prevent this catastrophe. President Erdogan has listened to you before, and we trust he will heed your call again.”
“Your decisive leadership can stop this invasion and preserve the dignity and safety of those who have stood as steadfast allies in the fight for peace and security.” She noted.
On Monday, Trump insinuated that Turkey orchestrated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s takeover of Syria, telling reporters at his residence in Florida that “Turkey did an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost.”