SDF Accuses Turkey of Violating De-Escalation Agreements

Clock Square Roundabout in the center of Raqqa city in northern Syria (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Clock Square Roundabout in the center of Raqqa city in northern Syria (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SDF Accuses Turkey of Violating De-Escalation Agreements

Clock Square Roundabout in the center of Raqqa city in northern Syria (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Clock Square Roundabout in the center of Raqqa city in northern Syria (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces revealed on Monday the outcome of the attacks of the Turkish army and its pro-Syrian armed factions on its areas during the first half of January 2022.

According to the released data, one civilian was killed and dozens were injured in 225 different attacks, while thousands were displaced from the countryside of Aleppo, Raqqa and Hasakeh governorates.

An SDF military official accused Turkey of violating all the international understandings and agreements concluded on the de-escalation in northeast Syria and committing many crimes against civilians.

The SDF said in a statement published on its official website on Monday that the Turkish army reconnaissance drones violated the airspace of Ain al-Arab (Kobani) city in the eastern countryside of Aleppo 20 times and the area between Kobani and Sirrin town, which overlooks the Euphrates River, four times.

The Turkish bombardment injured 12 civilians, including three children, killed one civilian, and led to the amputation of the foot of a child from Qarmough village, east of Kobani.

Head of the SDF Media Center Farhad Shami said the Turkish official media and army statements have distorted the facts to show that the civilians who were martyred and wounded were fighters in the ranks of the SDF forces and claimed they were killed during the clashes.

“Yet, the truth is that they are civilians who were injured during the barbaric Turkish bombardment.”

In late 2019, Ankara concluded de-escalation agreements in the areas east of the Euphrates with Washington and Moscow, and the Syrian parties cowed to commit to their implementation on the ground.

However, since then, the area saw military escalation and were bombed by Turkish artillery and rocket launchers from their bases in the areas of their operations “Peace Spring”, “Euphrates Shield” and “Olive Branch.” No significant field progress was made.

Turkish artillery, tank shells and rocket launchers shelled villages west of the Tal Abyad city in the northern countryside of Raqqa governorate, the statement added.

Ain Isa camp and the vicinity of M4 Highway along with eight other villages were bombarded, wounding three civilians.

“In the northern countryside of Hasakeh, 12 villages, which administratively follow Tel Tamr, were hit.

“Zarkan town and four of its villages were also shelled leaving material damage,” the statement read.



Iraqi Foreign Minister: We Have Received Explicit Israeli Threats

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid addresses the Peace Forum in Duhok (Rudaw Network)
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid addresses the Peace Forum in Duhok (Rudaw Network)
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Iraqi Foreign Minister: We Have Received Explicit Israeli Threats

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid addresses the Peace Forum in Duhok (Rudaw Network)
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid addresses the Peace Forum in Duhok (Rudaw Network)

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated on Friday that Iraq has received explicit threats from Israel, adding that the country’s armed forces have been instructed by the prime minister to prevent any attacks originating from Iraqi territory.

According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed the armed forces to take action against anyone launching attacks from the country. The foreign minister emphasized that Iraq does not seek war and aims to avoid its dangers, noting that the region is “on fire” and facing “clear threats from Israel.”

The agency also reported that the Iraqi government has requested an emergency meeting of the Arab League Council to address Israeli threats. Iraq’s permanent representative to the Arab League submitted a request for a session at the level of permanent representatives of member states to confront what was described as menaces from the “Zionist entity.”

Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that he had sent a message to the president of the UN Security Council urging immediate action against activities of Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Sa’ar asserted that the Iraqi government bears responsibility for any actions occurring within or emanating from its territory.

Meanwhile, Iraqi officials have expressed pessimism about the outcome of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Nevertheless, they emphasized Baghdad’s commitment to supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.

Speaking at the American University Forum in Duhok on Friday, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani highlighted that the challenges facing Iraq have fundamentally changed since October 7.

He described the current situation in the Middle East as a “second Nakba”, stressing that the challenges stem from the failure of the international system, which he described as “ambiguous.”

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid stated that Iraq would play its role in promoting peace in the Middle East and expressed his full support for efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue in Türkiye.

Speaking at the Duhok Forum, Rashid said that Iraq and the region are facing circumstances that require all parties to closely monitor the situation and find appropriate solutions to ongoing problems, emphasizing the need for lasting peace and security.

Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, called for Iraq to remain neutral in the conflict, saying: “The crises in the region and the scenes of war in Lebanon and Gaza are tragic. We hope this suffering will come to an end.”

“We are all awaiting changes following the US presidential election. All indications suggest that a Trump administration will adopt a different approach compared to President Biden’s policies,” he added.

The Iraqi government has stated that under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with the United States, Washington is responsible for “deterring and responding to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.”

According to media reports, the US has informed Baghdad that Israeli military strikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless Baghdad prevents Iran-backed factions from launching attacks against Israel.