U.S. General: East Euphrates Under International Protection Amid Turkish Threats

Qarah Qozak Bridge southwest of Kobani on the Euphrates River, a critical connection in northeast Syria. (North Press)
Qarah Qozak Bridge southwest of Kobani on the Euphrates River, a critical connection in northeast Syria. (North Press)

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – General Brooks, the U.S.-led coalition commander in the Middle East, reaffirmed on Tuesday that northeast Syria’s East Euphrates region remains under international protection and stability will not be compromised.

Brooks’ comments come amid escalating threats from Turkey, which has announced plans for a military incursion into Syrian territories. Earlier in the day, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a statement warning of imminent attacks on Kobani, claiming Turkey has mobilized significant forces and proxies along the border.

Coalition Meeting in Raqqa

The coalition general’s remarks were delivered during a meeting held in Raqqa with local leaders and tribal elders, attended by General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF. During the meeting, Abdi emphasized ongoing negotiations with both the coalition and Turkey to secure a permanent ceasefire agreement.

Fawaz al-Bayek, a tribal elder from Raqqa, told North Press that General Brooks highlighted a significant shift in Syria’s political and military dynamics following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month.

“In the past, we were constrained by Russia and Iran’s presence in Syria and the complex relationships with them,” Brooks reportedly said. He indicated that the coalition is preparing for a strategic realignment of forces in northern Syria, hinting at the establishment of new military bases.

New U.S. Base in Raqqa

While Brooks did not provide specifics about the locations of new deployments, he confirmed plans to establish a military base in Raqqa as part of efforts to strengthen stability and counter potential threats in the region.

The meeting underscored the coalition’s commitment to safeguarding northeast Syria from external aggression, with Brooks emphasizing that any attempts to destabilize the area would be met with a firm international response.