We are ready to counter any Turkish attack – SDF Commander in Chief
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander in Chief, Mazloum Abdi, said on Saturday Turkey is preparing for launching an attack against Kobani, Manbij and Tel Rifaat in Syria’s north in tandem with US endeavors to stop the attack.
Since Nov. 20, Turkey has been launching areal and ground attacks against several areas in northeastern Syria, targeting the region’s economic resources particularly oil facilities in addition to striking positions of the Syrian government forces and inhabitant villages on the border strip with Turkey.
Abdi revealed that the recent Turkish assaults have claimed the lives of 14 civilians and 16 fighters, and caused devastation to 45 infrastructure sites.
The SDF Commander added, in a press conference via Zoom app that North Press organized, Russia and the US oppose the Turkish attack and these “are good stances,” adding that international ones should be stronger because Turkey intends to launch the attack.
Abdi stressed, “The US administration have officially informed me, through Brett McGurk, about its rejection of the Turkish operation,” noting that the US contacts Turkey to stop the attacks.
Abdi demanded that the US administration sanctions Turkey over attacks it launched, “violation the ceasefire agreement.”
Following the Turkish incursion in October 2019, Turkey signed two ceasefire agreements, one with Russia and the other with the US stipulating ceasing all hostilities and the withdrawal of the SDF 32 km away from the Turkish border.
The SDF did withdrew from the border areas according to the agreement, but Turkey continues targeting the area.
He denied any involvement in Istanbul blast and called for starting an international investigation for truth findings.
Istanbul blast on Nov. 13 killed six individuals and wounded more than 80.
Ankara has accused Kurdish parties to lie behind the explosion. However, while the Kurdish parties denied any involvement in the explosion, Turkish air force launched a week later intense airstrikes against northeast Syria with Kobani having the lion’s share in those attacks.
He went further saying, “Syria is a part of the Arab League, Egypt and other Arab countries have to show firm stances.”
Abdi stressed that his forces and the people of Kobani are ready to confront any Turkish attack and that this battle will be different from previous ones, adding “Erdogan is hostile to Syria’s Kobani since the battle against ISIS.”
Operations against the Turkish forces will be carried out within Syrian soil, but in case Turkey initiates the war, “the entire Syrian-Turkish border will be stoked,” he stressed.
The SDF Commander in Chief stressed that the task of protecting the region is placed up on shoulders of the “Syrian Army…we look forward to coordinating together to counter the Turkish attacks.”