Syrian Democratic Forces: “We will respond to Turkey's operation”

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces made a statement declaring that they would respond to Turkey’s possible operation against Euphrates’ east side
Saturday, 15 December 2018 10:35

"We are ready for any attack and we will respond strongly," said Mazloum Kobani, commander-in-chief of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He also stated that Turkey's operation will affect the People's Protection Units (YPG) fighting against ISIS at the east of Syria.

SDF commander Kobani told Reuters that Washington had made "serious attempts" to block Turkey's operation in the region controlled by Kurds in Syria. "Till now, our diplomatic attempts are ongoing to deter this”, he added.

The SDF are the main group that the United States supports in the region. The US provides education and military support.

The US had announced, after Turkey’s statement that they would start an operation at Euphrates' east side, that a unilateral military action in northern Syria would be "unacceptable". There are around 2 thousand US soldiers located in northern Syria with the SDF.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had made a statement in İstanbul saying, "Turkey has lost enough time to respond to the terrorist acts at the east side of Euphrates. We cannot afford a delay even for one day from now on".

Erdoğan also stated that the operation would begin within a few days on Dec. 13.

Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) announced that an aerial operation has been launched to Sincar and Karacak Mountain regions located at the east side of Euphrates. That was TSK’s first operation at Karacak region. It was stated that more than 20 warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and tanker aircraft were used in the operation.