The balances in Syria have changed with the overthrow of the Assad regime. While the country's administration was handed over to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Turkey and the affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA) launched attacks against the cities under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The attacks are still continuing intensely around the Tishreen Dam. In addition to the attacks, Turkey is also conducting an intensive diplomatic traffic against the status of the Autonomous Administration.

 

The Autonomous Administration has also accelerated its unity efforts against possible dangers and threats. Following the inter-party talks, Mazlum Ebdî, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), met with KDP President Massoud Barzani in Hewlêr.

 

Democratic Union Party (PYD) Presidential Council member Salih Muslim evaluated the attacks and the latest developments in the region.

 

'TURKEY'S TARGET IS KOBANÊ' 

 

Stating that the attacks continue in the regions where the Tishreen Dam and Qereqozax Bridge are located, Salih Muslim said, "The war has not stopped in our region at the moment. Turkey, together with its affiliated gangs, continues air strikes. Against this, the people have come to the region. However, Turkey is targeting civilians from the air. Civilians came to the region so that the Tishreen Dam would not be targeted. However, all civilian areas are currently being targeted."

 

Stating that the main target of Turkey's attacks is Kobanê, Müslim said, "Turkey has increased its attacks after HTS took over the Damascus administration and wants to occupy the areas where Kurds live. It wants to take control of the Tishreen and Qereqozax regions to provide access to the Euphrates region. However, so far they have failed in these goals," he said.

 

Referring to the attitude of the forces in the International Coalition against the attacks, Muslim said, "The reactions of the coalition remain only at the diplomatic level. However, there is no intervention on the field. We see our relationship with the coalition as strategic. Because this is the only way to fight against terrorism. Turkey's attacks pave the way for ISIS to regain strength and organise itself. This is a serious danger. If Turkey's attacks are not stopped, this threat may grow. HTS says 'we will defend the whole of Syria'. However, they show no reaction against Turkey's attacks. If they are sincere, let them come here and let us defend Syria together."

 

'DIALOGUE BETWEEN KURDS IS A MUST'

 

Emphasising the need to ensure unity among Kurds against the attacks, Muslim said: "The meeting between Mr Mazlum Abdi and Mr Masoud Barzani is very important for the Kurdish people. These steps should continue for the solution of the problems and the unity of the Kurds. During the talks, the problems faced by the Kurds were discussed and it was decided that the ways of dialogue should be kept open."

 

Stating that they are conducting diplomatic talks with European countries against the attacks, Müslim stated that they expect the USA to make a statement against the attacks. Müslim said, "There was a process in which Donald Trump stopped Turkey's invasion attacks in 2019. We expect Trump to make statements to restore the previously signed ceasefire. However, we continue our preparations against everything." 

 

Emphasising that the talks with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan have a critical importance in solving the problems, Müslim added, "Turkey's failure to solve the problems it has with the Kurds is the source of today's problems. If they solve these problems through dialogue, the attacks against us will end. The Kurdish people are loyal to Mr Öcalan. Solving the problems through dialogue will be beneficial for everyone. The Kurdish people are currently pioneering democracy in the Middle East. Everyone needs to protect this process."

 

MA / Delal Akyüz