The United Nations envoy to Syria issued warning that the war “has not ended yet”. The clashes between fractions are still alive after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The Turkish-backed armed groups and Kurdish fighters are confronting in each other in the north of Syria.
Ankara takes SDF an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK) as a threat. It is an armed group that has fought the Turkish state for 40 years. SDF is the main ally of United States against ISIS. It got unprecedented support from international power. Washington still regards SDF as a crucial ally, although the victorious rebels have made clear their opposition again Kurdish self-ruled in the northeast.
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The UN envoy stated that “There have been significant hostilities in the last two weeks, before a ceasefire was brokered.” On Tuesday, Geir Pedersen warned the UN Security Council that any military escalation at this time could be “catastrophic” for already bleeding Syria.
Besides that, the Syrian National Army (SNA), Turkish-backed fighter, has targeted Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). SNA fighters held the control of Manbij city, east of the Euphrates river, from SDF last week. The ceasefire mediated by US came to effect. Today, this ceasefire got extension till the end of this week.
In addition, the HTS chief during his interview made it evident that there would be single unit of Syria. Murhaf Abu Qasar said, “The Kurdish people are one of the components of the Syrian people…Syria will not be divided and there will be no federal entities.”
Meanwhile, the US state Department spokesperson said, “We continue to engage with the SDF, with Turkey about a path forward.” He added that it was not favourable for any party to confront increased conflict in Syria. On Tuesday, Mazloum Abid, SDF commander informed his readiness to present proposal for a “demilitarized zone”. He stated that the proposal would ensure the Turkiye’s security concerns. This will also guarantee the stability of the northern area. However, there is no response either from Turkiye and the SNA.
