Hediye Yusuf from Kongra Star Coordination said they are not disregarding the possibility of an attack by Turkey: “The current Turkish government, by character, has the potential to push Turkey off the edge of a cliff. The US and Coalition are trying to find a middle ground.”

Hediye Yusuf, who stayed with the people in Shehba after Afrin was invaded, spoke to the ANF on the possible Turkish state attack and the Afrin example.”

SEEKING NEW GAINS AND REDUCTION IN PRESSURE

Yusuf continued: “Turkey knows very well that an attack against Northern and Eastern Syria is not in line with the interests of the US and the International Coalition it leads. Turkey is under US pressure for purchasing the S-400 missiles. They are experiencing a great crisis within the country, the government is being questioned. Their presence in NATO is up for debate. As such, they try to get concessions from the US to reduce the pressure on themselves and achieve new gains. They know that if they can’t do that now, the US and the Coalition won’t allow an attack.”

IF THE COALITION CAN’T STOP THE ATTACK

“If they attack now, the war will spread throughout the territory and give Russia the upper hand. There are two paths left for the US and Coalition: They will either stay and fight, or they will leave Syria. That is the complicated situation they are trying to find the middle ground for. We don’t disregard the possibility of Turkey attacking. The current Turkish government, by character, has the potential to push Turkey off the edge of a cliff. Of course the threat is serious,” said Yusuf.

CONSTANT CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY IN AFRIN

“Afrin was invaded in a deal among Turkey, Russia, Iran and the Syrian regime. The forces who fought against ISIS with us remained silent. There were massaces, pillaging and looting in Afrin. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced. The demographic makeup was changed. And, ISIS members from Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Manbij and now Baghouz were settled in Afrin. They change their image, and prepare for the next war. The de-Kurdification continues with all its ruthless character. Turkification is accompanied by anti-Kurdish and anti-Arab sentiment. Inhumane practices happen constantly. Unfortunately, all the powers are silent. To avoid the situation there from repeating throughout Northern and Eastern Syria, there needs to be extensive preparations, total resistance and diplomatic efforts in accordance.”

IF THE REGIME IS SERIOUS, THEY CAN END THE SHEHBA EMBARGO

Hediye Yusuf concluded with: “The Syrian regime lacks the necessary gravity for a solution. They are aware that Syria is leading to a fracture. They know that Turkey won’t just leave the areas they have occupied. The Idlib example explains things well enough on its own. Now they make some statements but what is important is how serious they are about a solution. There are proponents within the Syrian regime for overcoming the Syrian crisis together with the Kurds and through the autonomous administration. But Syria is not taking any steps. For example, we are in Shehba. The Syrian regime doesn’t allow even a single loaf of bread to cross into Shehba without going through customs. They don’t lift the embargo on Shehba. Of course we are open for a dialogue and a solution but the regime must be serious.”