The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement on 1 December 2024 addressing the escalating aggression by Turkish-backed forces in northern Syria. Qualifying the attacks as part of Turkey’s wider ambitions to occupy Syrian territory, the SDF highlighted the significant threat to the region governed by the Autonomous Administration of North & East Syria (AANES), which is home to Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs and various other communities.
The statement described the attacks on Al-Shahba (Şehba) and Aleppo as a grave danger to the survival of the diverse peoples of the region. “The sole objective of this aggression is to destroy our safe areas and undermine the peaceful coexistence of all communities,” the SDF asserted.
For several days, the SDF has been putting up a fierce resistance on the Manbij front and west of the Euphrates. Despite the mounting challenges, they reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to defending the region. “We will stand firm against these attacks and fulfill our historic duty to safeguard the region and its people, no matter what the cost,” the statement read.
The SDF also called for public mobilisation, urging civilians to coordinate with them and with the Internal Security Forces (Asayiş) to protect their villages, cities and homeland. The statement appealed directly to the youth from various ethnic groups — Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Assyrians, Armenians and Circassians — to join the resistance fronts and enlist in the SDF, the People’s Defence Forces (YPG)and the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ).
Framing the conflict as a broader struggle for human dignity and freedom, the SDF condemned Turkey’s use of extremist groups including ISIS in its offensives. “This is a war for light and liberation, a fight to protect the values of freedom and civilisation against obscurantist ideologies,” the SDF said.
The statement concluded with a rallying cry for solidarity and resilience, expressing confidence in the active participation of the region’s youth to thwart Turkey’s plans and ensure a future of coexistence and brotherhood among all peoples.
