Turkish army bolsters forces in Jarablus, Manbij amid tensions in West Kurdistan
According to footage circulating on social media, a convoy of Turkish military vehicles, including heavy weapons, could be seen moving through the center of Jarablus in Aleppo province towards Kobani in Western Kurdistan.
Dec. 21, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Turkish military has deployed further troops, tanks, and heavy weaponry to Jarablus and Manbij, near Kobani, following Ankara’s warnings and threats against West Kurdistan.
According to footage circulating on social media, a convoy of Turkish military vehicles, including heavy weapons, could be seen moving through the center of Jarablus in Aleppo province towards Kobanê in Western Kurdistan.
Since the Syrian opposition's move on Nov. 27 and the ensuing overthrow of the Assad regime in Damascus on Dec. 8, the Turkish army has assembled heavy forces along the border with Western Kurdistan.
Ever since the overthrow of the regime in the Syrian capital, the Turkish-backed armed groups have escalated attacks on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), particularly in Tall Rifat, Manbij, and Deir Ezzor province.
The U.S. has led efforts to mediate between Turkish-aligned armed groups and the SDF following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, these efforts seem to have failed.
Turkey is now intensifying pressure to disarm the SDF and the YPG (People’s Protection Units) in West Kurdistan, intending to make its influence in the region stronger.
Erdogan’s Stance
On his return from Cairo to Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey intends to play a key role in determining a new Syrian government while eliminating armed groups.
“Daesh, the PKK, and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated,” Erdogan stated.
Read More: Turkish President vows crackdown on PKK, ISIS amid plans for Syria’s future
He added that the PKK and its affiliates are running out of time, and terrorist organizations like ISIS, PKK, and YPG will be “crushed in the shortest time possible.”
Turkish Military Plans
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler announced in parliament during a budget meeting that Turkey intends to drive back SDF fighters in Kobani and Raqqa, disarm them, and transfer their weapons to Syria's new government.
Additionally, he stated that Turkey has several military and diplomatic steps prepared for border stability and internal security.
Read More: "SDF must evacuate Kobani and Raqqa", says Turkish Defense Minister
Germany’s Position
On Friday, according to a report by Reuters, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged for the disarmament of Kurdish forces in Syria and their integration into the country’s national security forces.
The statement came during a joint press conference with the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.
Speaking at a press conference, the German FM reiterated that the security of Kurds is essential for a free Syria.
Read More: German FM calls for disarmament, integration of Kurdish forces in Syria
However, she also highlighted that Turkey’s security concerns must also be taken into consideration to ensure stability in the region.
“The Kurdish groups must be disarmed and integrated into the national security structure,” she emphasized.
