The deputies said that "the Turkish invasion represents a clear and significant risk of an ISIS resurgence, fuelled by the escape of many of those previously captured to join the cells still operating across the region. Former US officials familiar with the security situation in Northern Syria have explained this threat at length."
The full letter is as follows:
"We write to urgently express our concern at President Trump’s decision to withdraw US forces from North Eastern Syria, allowing for a Turkish invasion, which has now begun.
As you will be aware, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have played the leading role on the ground in the defeat of ISIS, bringing an end to their so-called ‘Caliphate’.
This fight took a heavy toll on the SDF, who lost over 11,000 men and women, with over 22,000 more wounded.
They led this fight willingly, largely at the urging of the United States and often making strategic decisions not in their own interests but rather for the greater good of global peace and stability.
Out of the chaos that has consumed Syria for almost ten years, Kurdish forces in North Eastern Syria have not only liberated millions from extremism and tyranny but have in its place established a system of secular and democratic governance, one which is all the more remarkable for its commitment to women’s participation at every level.
In recent days the US-led Combined Joint Task Force – Inherent Resolve, compelled the SDF to demolish defensive fortifications along the Turkish-Syria border.
This action was conducted on the understanding that it would address Turkish security concerns and that US efforts would continue to guarantee the safety of the people of North Eastern Syria from potential Turkish military action.
To follow this with the immediate withdrawal of US forces and American consent for a Turkish invasion is nothing other than a gross act of betrayal and is deeply dishonourable.
Turkey’s 2018 invasion of the Kurdish enclave of Afrin, North Western Syria in 2018 shows us precisely what President Erdogan has planned for the North East; ethnic cleansing, extensive bombing of civilian areas, the use of proxy forces including former ISIS fighters & other extremists and the destruction of any form of democratic governance.
We cannot allow this to happen to the North East, which is currently home to over 2 million Syrians. The SDF currently hold tens of thousands of former ISIS fighters and activists in detention.
The Turkish invasion represents a clear and significant risk of an ISIS resurgence, fuelled by the escape of many of those previously captured to join the cells still operating across the region. Former US officials familiar with the security situation in Northern Syria have explained this threat at length.
We ask that you convey to your government our strong objections to this betrayal of our Kurdish allies. The decision should be reversed immediately and appropriate action taken against Turkey to prevent further loss of life and destabilisation in the region."
The signatories MPs are:
Ross Greer MSP
Ruth Maguire MSP
Clare Adamson MSP
Bob Doris MSP
Alison Johnstone MSP
Linda Fabiani MSP
John Finnie MSP
Lewis Macdonald MSP
Angus Macdonald MSP
Fulton Macgregor MSP
Gillian Martin MSP
Kenneth Gibson MSP
Rona Mackay MSP
Sandra White MSP
Colin Beattie MSP
Christine Graham MSP
Alex Rowley MSP
Joan McApline MSP
Patrick Harvie MSP
Pauline McNeil MSP
Bill Kidd MSP
Gil Paterson MSP
Neil Findlay MSP
Alex Rowley MSP
Andy Wightman MSP
Claire Baker MSP
Willie Rennie MSP
James Dornan MSP
Emma Harper MSP
Liam McArthur MSP
Maureen Watt MSP
Stuart McMillan MSP
Richard Leonard MSP
Mark Ruskell MSP