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By Maya Gebeily
BEIRUT (Reuters) -The pinnacle of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) mentioned on Tuesday he nonetheless feared a Turkish floor invasion regardless of U.S. assurances and has demanded a “stronger” message from Washington after seeing unprecedented Turkish deployments alongside the border.
Turkish officers mentioned its forces wanted simply days to be prepared for a floor incursion into northern Syria, which they’ve been attacking with long-range weapons and warplanes for days.
The bombardments come after months of threats by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan of a brand new floor invasion in opposition to Kurdish forces, which he considers to be terrorists.
“There are reinforcements on the border and inside Syria in areas managed by factions allied to Turkey. We seen this and, sure, that is new,” SDF chief Mazloum Abdi advised Reuters by telephone from Syria.
Syrian Kurdish forces have obtained backing from Washington for years, however have additionally coordinated with Syria’s authorities and its ally Russia, each seen as foes by the USA.
Abdi mentioned he had obtained “clear” assurances from Washington and Moscow that they opposed a Turkish floor invasion however needed one thing extra tangible.
“We’re nonetheless nervous. We want stronger, extra strong statements to cease Turkey,” he mentioned. “Turkey has introduced its intent and is now feeling issues out. The start of an invasion will depend upon the way it analyses the positions of different nations.”
In Washington, the Pentagon mentioned it had diminished the variety of partnered patrols in northern Syria with the SDF as a result of the SDF itself had diminished the variety of patrols it was doing.
Pentagon spokesman Brigadier Normal Patrick Ryder advised reporters that operations in opposition to Islamic State had not stopped.
The SDF and Ankara have traded accusations over who’s violating a 2019 deal, brokered by the USA and Russia to clear Kurdish militants out of border areas in alternate for Turkey refraining from invading.
Abdi mentioned his pressure had not been requested to withdraw from any additional zones and would refuse if requested, including the principle brokers of that deal had been too preoccupied with Moscow’s struggle in Ukraine to implement it correctly.
“Everyone seems to be busy. The Russia-Ukraine struggle has had a damaging impact influence on these nations’ commitments on this area,” he mentioned.
The SDF wouldn’t depend on Syrian air defences, Abdi added, after beforehand telling Reuters he hoped they’d assist defend his forces from Ankara’s air strikes.
“Their place is weak in comparison with the Turkish military,” he mentioned.
Syria sees Turkey as an occupying pressure in its north and Damascus has mentioned it could think about any new Turkish incursions as “struggle crimes”.
However the chilly ties could also be thawing: Turkey’s intelligence chief has held secretive talks in Damascus and its international minister has inspired the rebels and authorities to reconcile.
That has alarmed Syria’s Kurdish inhabitants, however Abdi mentioned he had been reassured by Damascus {that a} reconciliation with Ankara would require the total withdrawal of Turkish troops.
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