Tribes in Manbij, Syria, affirm their commitment to resisting Turkish occupation, standing united with the Syrian Democratic Forces amid intensified military assaults from Turkey in the region.
Recent statements from the sheikhs and dignitaries of the tribes in the Manbij region convey their unwavering commitment to the Democratic Autonomous Administration project and the Syrian Democratic Forces, asserting that they will not permit Turkey to occupy additional territory in Syria. The Turkish military presence and its allied forces have escalated their assaults on northern and eastern Syria since October 23, prompting the Syrian Democratic Forces to act in self-defense. Local leaders have emphasized their allegiance to their homeland and their support for the Syrian Democratic Forces in repelling these incursions. Sheikh Fahd al-Shalash of the Bani Said tribe remarked, “The Turkish attacks target the project of Democratic Autonomous Administration, and their goal is clear to everyone. Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, they have been trying to expand within Syrian territory.” Al-Shalash further claimed that Turkish assaults aim to destabilize the region by targeting vital infrastructure and internal security. He criticized the inaction of international guarantor countries like the United States and Russia, suggesting that their silence contributes to the suffering of innocents in the area. Furthermore, Sheikh Hussein al-Mashi of the Bubna tribe and Sheikh Mohammed al-Jassem of the al-Aoun tribe both condemned the Turkish military operations. Al-Jassem stated, “The Turkish attacks will not break our resolve. We are the sons of the tribes and components of North and East Syria. Our stance is clear, and we will not allow Turkey to occupy new lands in Syria.” Both emphasized their communities’ readiness to defend their territory alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces. The resolved statements from these tribal leaders illustrate a collective determination to maintain their autonomy and protect their local governance amidst ongoing threats from Turkish military operations in Syria.
The context of this situation involves ongoing tensions in Syria, particularly in the regions of North and East Syria, where various tribes have formed ties with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and support the Democratic Autonomous Administration. Turkey has engaged in military operations within Syrian territory, seeking to expand its influence and combat Kurdish forces, which it associates with terrorism. This has prompted local tribes to unite in opposition, prioritizing their collaborations with the SDF to safeguard their land and preserve regional stability.
In summary, tribal leaders from the Manbij region have clearly expressed their opposition to Turkish military actions and their commitment to protecting their autonomous governance in Syria. Their statements reflect a deep-seated resolve to defend their territories and support the Syrian Democratic Forces against ongoing threats. The leaders emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant against attempts to destabilize their region and the necessity of solidarity among the communities in North and East Syria.
Original Source: hawarnews.com