Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi accused the US President Joe Biden’s administration of applying “double standards” in its response to Turkey’s recent offensive against Kurdish-led autonomous regions in northeastern Syria in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor’s Amberin Zaman on Friday.
Abdi addressed speculations surrounding Turkey’s discussions with the US regarding Sweden’s NATO membership and expressed concern that Turkey might be demanding the US terminate its partnership with the SDF in exchange for approving the Nordic country’s NATO bid.
“The shameful silence in the face of ongoing attacks against us gives rise to suspicions that Turkey is indeed attacking us with the informal consent of our partners,” said Abdi.
Abdi went on to call on the US to strengthen Kurdish faith in Washington and urged the blocking of any new F-16 sales to Turkey.
Recent Turkish airstrikes targeting civilian settlements and infrastructure in North and East Syria have resulted in the death of at least 10 civilians and injuries to more than 25 people.
Turkey says the attacks are in retaliation for military losses suffered by Turkish forces during operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) positions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Ankara alleges the SDF is affiliated with the PKK.
However, according to Abdi, the organisation does not have a military presence in Syria’s Kurdish-led regions, vehemently denying any connection between his forces and the PKK.