Turkey does not want the transparent trial of Islamic State (ISIS) members by the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (AANES) in the eyes of the world, Salih Muslim, the leader of the main party in the autonomous region, told ANF on Saturday.
Muslim emphasised that the ongoing intensified attacks by Turkey against Kurdish forces in North and East Syria after the elections were part of a long-standing plan to crack down on the Kurds dating back to 2014.
Highlighting the significance of the autonomous administration’s pursuit of justice against ISIS members, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) leader argued that such trials would expose Turkey’s collaboration with the fundamentalist group and its crimes during the Syrian civil war. This, in turn, has led Turkey to intensify its attacks in a show of aggression.
Muslim also attributed the escalation of Turkish assaults to the recent declaration by the AANES, which outlined steps toward a resolution in Syria. However, Muslim asserted that Turkey neither seeks a solution for Syria nor wants the involvement of the Kurds in any such process.
Reflecting on their pre-election predictions, Muslim noted, “The fair removal of a dictator or despot through legitimate means has never been achieved in history.” He further stated their anticipation of intensified attacks following the elections. Muslim underlined their determination to resist alongside the people, relying on their strength and organisation. “We will resist; we have no other choice,” he affirmed.
Muslim stressed that Turkey deliberately chose the timing of its actions, considering the upcoming quadrilateral summit between Iran, Russia, Syria, and Turkey scheduled for 21 June in Astana. He argued that the intensified airstrikes serve as a demonstration of power before the summit. Despite the loss of a Russian soldier and several Syrian troops in the recent Turkish airstrikes, Muslim highlighted Russia, Iran and Syria for maintaining their silence. He explained that Russia is currently dependent on Turkey due to Western embargoes resulting from the conflict in Ukraine. Muslim expressed doubt that Russia would take any action against Turkey, as there are numerous agreements between the two countries. Regarding the Syrian government, he stated, “It will not act against the will of Russia and Iran.”
When asked about the possibility of a ground operation in the region, Muslim stated that anything could be expected from the Turkish government. However, he added, “Considering that we are prepared, a ground operation seems challenging for them.” Muslim highlighted that the decision on whether a potential ground operation would be permitted would be determined at the Astana summit, but he emphasised that they do not rely on such possibilities. He stated firmly, “A possible ground operation would lead to Turkey’s downfall. Our forces are also prepared.”
Muslim stressed that all despotic and dictatorial regimes in the region are working against the AANES. He urged international democratic forces to support them if they desire the expansion of democracy in the Middle East. “Because that is the only hope,” he concluded.
