Two US senators, the Republican Lindsey Graham and the Democrat Chris Van Hollen have announced their intention to introduce sanctions legislation if Turkey refuses to renew its ceasefire with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria. The ceasefire, brokered in 2019, had aimed to maintain regional stability and support efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
The announcement follows the ending by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) last week of a temporary truce between Turkey and the Kurdish-led SDF. Ankara is rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire, including the establishment of a demilitarised zone along the Syrian-Turkish border, particularly near the city of Kobani.
In a joint statement, the senators said, “The 2019 ceasefire between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds has saved lives, increased regional stability, and ensured that the SDF can continue its vital efforts as the tip of the spear in our fight against ISIS. But now, Turkish-backed forces have ramped up attacks once again, threatening the vital mission of preventing the resurgence of ISIS.”
In their statement, the senators referred to a statement from SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi in which he said, “dialogue, not aggression, is the only path forward to peace and stability”. They reiterated their continued support for the SDF, whom they described as critical allies in combating ISIS. They stressed that while Turkey’s security concerns can be addressed, its actions undermine regional peace and the broader US counterterrorism mission.
“The United States must immediately use all the tools at our disposal to press for a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarised zone,” the senators said. “If Turkey doesn’t immediately accept these terms, we intend to introduce bipartisan sanctions legislation this week, similar to the bill we jointly introduced in 2019.”
The 2019 sanctions bill, introduced in response to Turkey’s military incursions in northern Syria at that time, aimed to hold Ankara accountable for actions that jeopardised US interests and allies. Van Hollen and Graham’s renewed stance highlights growing concerns in Washington over Turkey’s escalating military operations and their impact on regional stability.
Mazloum Abdi has warned previously against renewed aggression, calling for peaceful dialogue and international mediation to address security concerns. Meanwhile, clashes between SNA mercenaries and the SDF continue to escalate, raising fears of further aggression and destabilisation.
🔔#BREAKING 🚨
🕊️ SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi insists for reconciliation and dialogue in spite of all aggression of Turkey against Kobane and Euphrates basin (@MazloumAbdi)
In affirmation of our firm commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Syria,… pic.twitter.com/qKlfe1oaLf
— MedyaNews (@1MedyaNews) December 17, 2024
With the ceasefire deadline looming, US lawmakers appear poised to take decisive action to safeguard the fragile stability in northern Syria and reaffirm America’s commitment to its Kurdish allies.
