Since the start of Turkish invasion operation on Afrin there is a discussion in political circles in Syria. If the Russian sponsored attack on Afrin by Turkish state empowered ISIS and Al Nusra gangs in Syria or not?
The Turkish attack on Afrin was followed by ISIS attacks in Idlib, Gouta, Deir ez-Zor and several areas of Syria. Some evaluate this development as a very strong indication that the hopes of a political solution in Syria will fade. ISIS’ return to its bloody attacks is a development which will affect the world.
Hence, the military and civilian officials from the international coalition are highlighting this danger. Especially the Syrian Democratic Forces’ re-evaluation of the current political situation after the Turkish attack on Afrin created new circumstances in the region.
While the struggle against ISSI continues in Deir ez-Zor and the northern banks of Euphrates, SDF forces see the attacks of Russia and Turkey differently. They are also discontent with the silence of the international powers on the attack on Afrin.
I traveled with the SDF fighters in Deir ez-Zor. I spoke to several fighters who participated in operations against ISIS for years.
The fighters say that there is an increase in ISIS attacks in Al Hasakkah, Saddade and Deir ez-Zor. They say that Syria entered a new and dangerous phase after the Russian sponsored attack on Afrin.
According to the fighters, the crisis in Syria entered a political solution phase after the liberation of Raqqa. But after the Russian and Turkish intervention violence became the dominant characteristic of the process. The recent developments in Deir ez-Zor, Gouta, Idlib and Afrin are examples of this.
When we arrived in Deir ez-Zor, all fighters were asking about the situation in Afrin. They say that they want to be deployed to Afrin.
I especially spoke with fighters and commanders from Afrin. These commanders are coordinating the battle against ISIS here. The fighters from Rojava and Arab fighters also say that they want to be deployed to Afrin.
“While we are trying to clear Syria of ISIS gangs, Russia and Turkey are bringing ISIS and Al Nusra gangs to our land. They are committing massacres. And of course it effects our moral and motivation” SDF commander Dilsoz Roni.
Roni warned the international coalition about ISIS and Al Nusra’s intention to launch attacks in Europe and US and said “If this silence continues, Al Nusra and ISIS gangs will turn Europe and US a center of their bloody attacks. Nobody should remain silent against these attacks”.
