QAMISHLI: A senior Kurdish official on Saturday urged the United States to stop Turkey launching an offensive against Kurdish areas in northern Syria, after Washington announced the withdrawal of American troops.
Washington has for years supported the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria, as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. But in a shock announcement on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of around 2,000 soldiers from Syria. Aldar Khalil, who played a key role in establishing Syria’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region in 2013, said the US and its partners “must honour their commitments” while operating in the country. “And even if they leave, they can at least work towards an international resolution,” he told AFP. “It’s their duty to prevent any attack and to put an end to Turkish threats.” Turkey accuses the YPG of being an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to drive both the YPG and IS from Syria, but delayed a planned offensive following Trump’s announcement. The US decision to withdraw prompted top political leaders from the Syrian Kurdish forces to travel to Paris on Friday with the aim of drumming up support from the French government.
Endorsing the diplomatic push, Khalil called on France to “play a positive role at the United Nations and the Security Council, in order to (table) a resolution preventing a Turkish offensive.” But he admitted the diplomatic efforts have “still not borne fruit”.
Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville,...
The Pentagon building in Arlington County, Virginia. — AFP FileWASHINGTON: The Pentagon on Thursday acknowledged in...
Representational image of flags of France and Japan. — APP FilePARIS: France and Japan agreed on Thursday to start...
Donald Trump. — AFP FileWASHINGTON: Donald Trump said he may not accept the 2024 election results in Wisconsin, a...
Britain's former Chancellor to the Exchequer Rishi Sunak reacts as he answers questions while taking part in a...