Damascus residents reject Turkish threats, call on government to take action
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The attitudes of Damascenes regarding the latest Turkish threats of launching a military operation on northern Syria varied, as some asked the Syrian government to face Turkey’s expansionary ambitions while others asked the government to resort to international law.
On May 23, Erdogan announced taking steps to complete the so-called remained portions of the “safe zone” plan along Turkey’s southern border saying, “We will soon take new steps regarding the incomplete portions of the project we started on the 30 km deep safe zone we established along our southern border.”
The Turkish “safe zone” is an area of 30-35 km (19-22 miles) deep into Syrian territory that Turkey started establishing in 2019 to house Syrian refugees in an area along its border with Syria, as well as to keep it free from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it regards as terrorists.
On May 25, Turkey’s National Security Council said that Turkey’s “existing and future military operations along its southern borders were necessary for the country’s security.” In the meeting, Erdogan delivered a speech to the MPs of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and said, “Turkish military would continue to rid its neighbour of terrorists” refers to the SDF.
On June 1, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan renewed his threats of launching a military operation on northern Syria, and specified his targets in the two Syrian cities of Manbij and Tel Rifaat, which include many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Imad al-Agha, a resident of Damascus, called on the government to carry out its duty and immediately intervene to repel the potential Turkish invasion, and not only stick to diplomatic condemnation statements.
“The goal of the Turkish regime is to restore the glories of the Ottoman [Empire] of controlling the whole Arab world and not only Syria. This is the dream of the Turks since ancient times,” the man, who works as a government employee, told North Press.
“We reject the Turkish threats categorically and call on the international community to prevent the Turkish regime from implementing its colonial scheme,” noting that Erdogan’s main goal is “occupation but not protecting his territory as he purports,” he added.
Zuhair al-Omran, a resident of Rif Dimashq, stressed that the Syrian army needs to take immediate action and move towards the north “to stop the Turkish forces’ expansion inside the Syrian territory, as holding political talk is pointless with a man like Erdogan.”
“The Turkish regime has not had enough after occupying Afrin, Sanjak of Alexandretta and other Syrian cities. Rather, today it wants to carve out an important and vital part of the Syrian territory, and Erdogan’s ambitions will not stop there,” he said.
“If needed, we will take up arms to fight the Turkish regime. Our land is one inseparable territory. Syria is united in its lands and people, and we will not accept any colonial project aimed at dividing the unity and integrity of the Syrian soil,” al-Omran added.
Similar to the other residents of Damascus and its countryside, Maha al-Aboud, who works as a government employee, described Erdogan as “crazy and reckless in politics.”
“Years ago, the Turkish regime occupied Afrin, plundered its resources and displaced its people. We do not accept the same scene to be repeated amid complete international silence. In addition, those who always talk about freedom and the unity of Syrian territory” did not lift a finger when Turkey repeatedly invaded Syria, al-Aboud added.
The woman wondered about the international community’s indifference towards Syria. “Where is the Security Council [position] regarding the Turkish threats? Why do we hear so much about Ukraine and not hear any condemnations of Erdogan’s actions in Syria?”
Al-Omran pointed out that “when it comes to Syria, everyone is deaf and dumb and cannot see anything. The Syrian state must confront the Turkish regime, whatever the outcome is.”
The woman stressed on the unity of Syria and noted to the Turkish government’s radical ideology.
“Syria is one united land and Turkey does not have any right or part in it. Moreover, Erdogan’s thoughts are not much different of those of the Islamic State Organization’s [ISIS],” she said.