Ilham Ahmed, a prominent Syrian-Kurdish diplomat and Foreign Relations Co-chair for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), has expressed grave concerns over the escalating conflict in Aleppo, northern Syria. Referring to the clashes as ‘more than a proxy war’ between Turkey-backed and Iran-backed factions, she underlined the broader implications for the city’s diverse social fabric and identity.
“The ongoing conflict in Aleppo may seem like a proxy war between Turkey-backed and Iran-backed groups, but the real danger lies in the systematic targeting of diverse cities like Aleppo. This war threatens its rich social fabric and pluralistic identity,” Ahmed wrote in a statement posted on X.
The ongoing conflict in Aleppo may seem like a proxy war between Turkey-backed and Iran-backed groups, but the real danger lies in the systematic targeting of diverse cities like Aleppo. This war threatens its rich social fabric and pluralistic identity.
— Elham Ahmad (@ElhamAhmadSDC) December 1, 2024
Ahmed also highlighted the alarming targeting of Kurdish Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and surrounding regions, emphasising that these actions are causing further displacement. “These actions deepen fractures in the region, endangering coexistence and the cultural mosaic of Syria’s most diverse city,” she added.
Her remarks come amid escalating tensions and Turkish military actions in northern Syria, which have drawn sharp criticism from Kurdish political leaders and human rights organisations. Recent attacks on Kurdish-majority areas, including Shahba (Şehba) and surrounding regions, have prompted calls for unity and resistance from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and AANES.
The SDF has condemned Turkey’s military offensive as an effort to undermine Syria’s cultural and social cohesion. The ongoing violence, particularly in Aleppo, has underscored the vulnerability of Syria’s diverse communities and raised concerns about long-term repercussions if the conflict intensifies.
In response to the escalation, both the SDF and AANES have called for a unified resistance against Turkish aggression. The SDF has repeatedly stressed the need for solidarity among Syria’s diverse communities—Kurds, Arabs, and Assyrians—to counter Turkey’s expansionist ambitions and preserve the region’s pluralistic identity.
Ahmed’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in the Aleppo conflict, particularly for those advocating for a peaceful, inclusive future in Syria.
