Newroz Ehmed, member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Command, answered the questions of Medya Haber TV regarding a possible Turkish incursion, which has been much-debated since Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent statements.
On 27 October, a motion was passed in the Turkish parliament authorising Turkish president Erdoğan to conduct cross-border military operations in Iraq and Syria for a further two years.
Ehmed emphasised that there has been no let-up in Turkey’s attacks in northeastern Syria for years.
“They began their occupation just as DAESH was about to be completely defeated and their plans brought to nothing. They tried to legitimise their presence on Syrian soil passing first through the Al-Bab and Jarablus area and then through other regions. Ever since they attacked Tell Abyad (Girê Spî) and Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê), their attacks on the region have continued non-stop,” she said.
Ehmet stated that Turkey’s attacks continued in Ain Issa, Tell Tamer, Zirgan and Tell Rifaat not only against the SDF, but also against civilians. “Innocent people and the local population were targeted,” she said.
She shared her view that the Erdoğan government is resorting to war in Syria to increase his decreasing domestic popularity.
“The Turks have failed in many fields of war. They are experiencing serious difficulties,” she said.
“Their plans for the war have failed. They intended to annihilate the Kurdish movement, but they could not. They also failed in their policy to protect their borders and make them safer through the war they have been waging.”
Ehmed said Turkey’s repeated attacks on Kobani and Tell Tamer are in preparation for a new occupation offensive.
Ehmed said that through its strategy, Turkey is trying to prevent a political solution being reached in Syria, to prolong the crisis in Syria, adding, “As the SDF we are preparing our forces. We are prepared to bring the plans of the Turkish state and all attacks against us to nothing.”
The threats Turkey poses are not only to northeast Syria, according to Ehmed, and she explained further the dangers Turkey poses based on their observations in Idlib:
“They have formed an alliance. The Turkish state was supposed to withdraw from certain locations based on their agreement, but that did not happen. They want to stick around, but this is not welcomed. There are many forces and groups on the ground. This means that a crisis may erupt at any time.”
That is why, she added, “We do not evaluate the chaos independently from the conflicts in our region. They are all connected.”
Closing the interview, Ehmed saluted the internationalist fighters who came to northeast Syria in a spirit of international solidarity, and she commemorated all the fighters who have lost their lives defending Rojava.
Ehmed said that Turkey has intesified attacks in the region, recalling the strategic importance of northeast Syria as well as the political spirit that was born in Rojava through the joint struggle of all those who demand freedom, peace and equality.
“The Rojava revolution is a world revolution,” she said, urging international communities to unite in the struggle for freedom against new possible attacks by Turkey.
“Our call: We urge all those who struggle for freedom, women, everyone, let us wage the struggle together, let us all join forces and empower the struggle.”
