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SDC’s Ahmed: Washington Rejects Any Turkish Attack Inside Syrian Territory

Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SDC’s Ahmed: Washington Rejects Any Turkish Attack Inside Syrian Territory

Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is once again threatening to launch a new cross-border military operation in Syria against the remaining areas of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

US armed forces, Russian forces and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are deployed side by side in the areas run by the SDF and YPG.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ilham Ahmed, the executive chief of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), discussed the anticipated Turkish operation, the positions of major countries and the Damascus government, and the Astana track meetings.

The SDC is the political wing of the SDF, which is backed by a US-led international coalition.

When asked about a potential Turkish military operation at a time the Syria talks, sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran, are taking place in the Kazakh capital, Ahmed ruled out Ankara getting the green light to attack SDF territory in Syria.

“All the meetings of the Astana process did not bring the desired results for Syrians,” said Ahmed.

“We do not hope that Turkey will be given the green light to carry out its aggressive campaign against the Syrians in the Autonomous Administration (Rojava) areas,” she added.

“Russia, more than anyone else, knows that Turkey is trying to obtain approval to carry out its operation,” explained Ahmed, adding that Moscow is well aware that areas occupied by Turkey in Syria are turning into hotbeds of terrorism that fuel the Syrian crisis and civil war.

Regarding foreign opposition to the expected Turkish military operation, Ahmed noted that US diplomats had relayed Washington’s rejection of any such action.

“They told us that they are against any further military operation of Turkey inside Syrian territory,” said Ahmed.

“We hope that there will be more deterrent stances from Washington to the Turkish actions that endanger the security and stability of the entire region,” she added.

As for Russia deploying forces, Ahmed said: “So far, Russian forces have not deployed more soldiers on the ground. They have control checkpoints on the border with Turkey, and they are running ground and air patrols inside Syrian territory.”

“While we are seeking full coordination with Russian forces to repel potential Turkish attacks, Moscow is required to take additional measures to protect the borders,” affirmed Ahmed.

“Turkey announced to the world that its map includes the entire border strip with a depth of 30 km, so it does not matter if it is currently promoting the names of some areas,” said Ahmed about Erdogan’s threat against Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the northern countryside of Aleppo governorate.

Ahmed moved on to explain that Turkey is adopting a nibble-by-piece policy, but the largest Syrian cities are included in its military map under the pretext of combating terrorism and preserving the territorial integrity of Syria.

“It is necessary for the world to realize that satisfying Turkey at the expense of the Syrian people will only have a temporary benefit for the countries concerned, and it will birth irreversible losses, damages and mistakes,” she added.

Ahmed also spoke about resentment among Syrians displaced by Turkey from their homes in Daraa, Ghouta, Damascus, Hama, Homs and Idlib and resettled them in Afrin.

“They are against Turkish policies and are now refusing to stay in homes that do not belong to them,” said Ahmed about the feelings of those uprooted by Turkey and forced to relocate to settlement projects set up by Ankara.

Speaking about several messages sent by the SDC to the Syrian regime, Ahmed said: “There is nothing new in the positions of the Damascus government.”

Ahmed pointed out that Damascus can show responsibility in deterring Turkish aggression and protecting the country’s borders.

“We hope that there will be an understanding about the border protection mechanism, especially that Russian and regime forces are present on contact points, along the borders in Kobani, Manbij, Al-Arima and Tal Rifaat in the Aleppo countryside,” added Ahmed.

“Certainly, our SDF forces have the necessary measures to confront the Turkish aggression and its occupation project, and our people are different from what they were in the past, so the battle will not go as they expect, and it will not resemble the previous battles,” warned Ahmed.

However, Ahmed noted that such a war will also cause great damage to the entire international community.

“We do not seek war; Rather, we seek to preserve the stability of our regions, which have turned into safe and secure areas for all Syrians.”

Ahmed pointed out that about 5 million Syrians live in Rojava areas.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.