The spokesman for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Luqman Ehmê, stated Turkish invasion has not yet begun because the US and Russia have not given the green light. He said the Autonomous Administration is ready for all-out defense.
In recent days, Turkish regime leader Erdoğan has repeatedly announced a major invasion of northern and eastern Syria and the establishment of an occupation zone 30 kilometres wide. So far, artillery and air attacks have steadily increased in intensity. In an interview with the RojNews agency, the spokesperson for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Luqman Ehmê, spoke about the latest situation on the ground.
What is Erdoğan aiming at with the planned attack?
The Turkish state wants to destroy everything everywhere that has to do with a status for the Kurds. First, Turkey tried to eliminate the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria through ISIS. However, ISIS was defeated by the resistance of the YPG, YPJ and SDF. Now the Turkish state wants to take revenge for ISIS.
What preparations have you made to prevent the attack?
Against the invasion attack of the Turkish state, the Autonomous Administration is ready to defend the region militarily with all its might. We are also trying to prevent the invasion on a diplomatic level. We are in contact with democratic, freedom and peace-oriented institutions at the international level and thus try to protect our region.
What is the reaction of the people in Syria?
The population is aware that the aim of the Turkish state's attacks is genocide. Everywhere, in every neighbourhood and region, people are opposing the attacks of the Turkish state. In the face of its permanent attacks, an awareness has developed. People know what the Turkish state did in Afrin, Girê Spî and Serêkaniyê during the invasion and how it is changing the demographic structure.
Do you have any idea when the large-scale attack could start?
We cannot predict when the attacks will take place, because it depends on if and when Russia and the USA give the green light for the attacks. The Turkish state has not yet been able to get approval for the invasion from these countries. Therefore, it could not carry out the attack yet. We do not know what will happen in the future.
Which regions are to be affected by the occupation?
These places are Tel Rifat and Manbij. Apart from our defense forces, there are many other forces there. Moreover, the Syrian government is against the attack plan. If the Turkish state was given permission to attack, it would be a historic, strategic mistake for Syria, Iran and Russia. After the areas west of the Euphrates, Aleppo will then also be besieged.
What is the reaction of the regime in Damascus?
Apart from the above-mentioned declaration, the Syrian regime has so far shown no reaction in practice. We are trying to get the regime to become practical. Although it is using these attacks as leverage against self-rule by threatening to leave the region to its own devices if attacked, we are determined to defend every threatened place in Syria, despite all contradictions.
Do you have plans to regain the areas already occupied?
We have continued to strengthen our defense units. The Afrin Liberation Forces (HRE) are continuing their actions in the occupied territories. The liberation of the occupied territories is part of all the Autonomous Administration’s military plans for the future.
