North-East Syria: Navigating New Threats and Seeking Stability After Assad’s Fall
Commander Zanarin Kobani of the YPJ describes an extensive underground network in Kobani designed to evade Turkish drone strikes. With the fall of Assad, the SDF faces new threats mainly from Turkey. The recent call for disarmament by PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan presents a potential shift in dynamics. However, the SDF struggles with pressure from civilian factions, and ongoing conflicts further complicate the pursuit of stability in Northeastern Syria.
Commander Zanarin Kobani of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), which is part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), describes the extensive tunnel networks beneath Kobani. These tunnels are designed to help evade Turkey’s drone strikes. After a detailed walk, one reaches a heated and fully-equipped underground space, where Commander Kobani monitors the city via live footage. Access to these tunnels is highly restricted, as security concerns necessitate strict precautions against drone attacks.
As a seasoned combatant in battles against ISIS, Commander Kobani underscores the shift in primary threats from ISIS to neighboring Turkey. The city, governed by the SDF in the semi-autonomous region of Rojava, is viewed by Turkey as a security threat due to its association with PKK, a designated terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and others. Abdullah Ocalan’s recent call for the PKK’s disarmament may ease tensions but its implications for northeastern Syria remain uncertain.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi applauded Ocalan’s statement but clarified that it pertained solely to the PKK and not the Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkey has conducted several military operations in northeastern Syria, particularly following the Assad regime’s collapse. The Syrian National Army (SNA), supported by Turkey, seized substantial areas following the regime’s fall and is seen as continuing the Turkish agenda in the region.
The SDF is balancing a delicate situation—negotiating with the HTS-led government for stability while protecting their hard-won rights, in light of a potential ISIS resurgence. Commander Kobani expressed concerns for women’s rights under potential Turkish-backed rule and emphasized the need for international guarantees against Turkish incursions. The SDF is focused on diplomacy, aiming to avert direct military conflict that would likely favor Turkey.
The SDF has shown readiness for dialogue with the new administration, symbolized by recent meetings between commanders Abdi and HTS leader Al Shara. The Kurdish-led group has also resumed oil supplies to the central government in Damascus, a significant shift in relations. However, the SDF has been excluded from national conferences aimed at establishing a new Syrian army, highlighting ongoing concerns over marginalization and exclusion within the broader political landscape.
Amidst these tensions, the Kurdish population has celebrated the regime’s downfall, with many public memorials established. Nonetheless, challenges persist as Al Shara has indicated that all Syrian factions should merge into a unified military framework— a proposition contrary to the SDF’s position of maintaining a distinct status. The SDF insists on the necessity of guarantees against Turkish-backed factions to ensure their safety and integrity in their territories.
The SDF is under pressure from both internal factions within Syria and external threats. Despite recent discord, many hope for stability, with Syrian Kurds emphasizing that as long as their rights are respected, the ruling party is less significant. As violence persists in the region, displaced individuals long for peace, with many residing in makeshift schools due to ongoing conflicts and Turkish offensives affecting their home areas.
In conclusion, North-east Syria is at a pivotal moment following the fall of the Assad regime, navigating complex political and military landscapes. The SDF is striving for stability while seeking international guarantees against Turkish aggression. Despite ongoing hostilities and internal dissent, Kurdish leaders remain committed to negotiating peace and protecting their rights, emphasizing the population’s desire for a stable and secure future.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
