The Syrian-Kurdish battlegroup SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) may no longer be able to provide security at camps for former Islamic State (IS) fighters and their families in northern Syria. Local SDF troops tell the BBC they could leave the camps if Turkey continues to launch attacks in the region.
Turkey carried out targeted air strikes against Kurdish militia positions in northern Syria last week. The Turkish government blames the Kurds for a bomb attack in Istanbul earlier this month. As a result, six people were killed. The SDF deny involvement.
This week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he plans to attack northern Syria with “tanks, guns and soldiers” because his patience has run out and he no longer wants to wait for a diplomatic solution.
The awakening is
Such a Turkish attack will ultimately result in a resurgence of the IS terrorist organization, SDF head General Mazloum Abdi told the British broadcaster. “It would lead to a second civil war in Syria and end our fight against terrorism,” said Abdi, who said that “Turkey is undermining international efforts.” The Kurdish group has worked closely with the Americans during the fight against IS in Syria.
Camps for former IS fighters in the region are under Kurdish control. Earlier this month Médecins Sans Frontières (AzG) raised the alarm over the dire living conditions in the notorious al-Hol camp. That camp was also reportedly hit by a Turkish air raid this week, Abdi said.
Security priorities of the Kurdish Armed Forces
If such attacks continue, “the security of our forces will take precedence and we will no longer be able to guard the camps,” the general said. “The consequences of this will be very serious, not only for us but for the whole world.”
The terrorist organization is used to control a large area in Syria. That caliphate collapsed after a few years and many former IS fighters and their families ended up in SDF camps.
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