Short interview with Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdulrahman, about Turkey's recent shelling of SDF controlled Northern-Syria.
Aired date 31 10 2018
Transcript:
First, what happened in Kobane is maybe a continuation of previous clashes in recent days.
Is it maybe an implementation of what the Turkish president Erdogan has said, who vowed to attack “terrorist” groups as he described it?
– Good evening.
In addition to what we have reported on the shelling of Kobane area, there was a meeting between Turkish forces or Turkish intelligence agency and faction from the “Euphrates Shield” and “Olive Branch” in preparation of a military operation against the Kurdish forces.
Which has started amassing, not in the same area, but against ISIS in east of Euphrates.
Why such contrast: while forces being redeployed from this front to fronts against ISIS in east of Euphrates, Turkey attacks areas under SDF control east of Euphrates?
Whether it is in Tel-Abiyadh, where a fighter was killed by Turkish forces shelling yesterday,
or three days ago in Kobane, and today in Kobane…
In other words, there is a Turkish intent to distract Kurdish forces from the fronts against ISIS.
Clearly and frankly we ask: Why at this moment the Turkish forces attack East Euphrates?
To this moment Manbij issue hasn’t been finished.
How come Turkey focuses on East Euphrates?
As we witness and report daily violations by Turkish forces and Turkey-backed factions in Afrin;
from [..] to kidnapping and murder.
The Turkish president Erdogan wants to exploit what’s happening in the region right now
in an attempt to control regions in north Syria, specifically East-Euphrates, after his forces managed to occupy the region from Jarablus to Afrin.
– What’s the role of the Syrian regime forces in all that is happening in Northern Syria?
– The regime forces have no role except to clash with some of rebel groups around Aleppo.
And we all know that Russia is the one ruling the Syrian regime regions now.
Around 60% is under control of Russia, Iran and regime forces.
Around 10% is under control of Turkey and Turkey-backed factions and some rebel groups.
And the rest is under the control of the international coalition and SDF.