As Ankara signals new military offensive, YPG expects 'dangerous deal' between Russia, Turkey

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The People's Defense Units (YPG), a Kurdish armed group in Syria, expects a "dangerous deal" between Turkey and Russia for a new military offensive, its spokesperson has said.

Turkey is deploying troops in Azerbaijan, Iraq and Liba, trying to "expand its borders," Nuri Mehmûd told RojNews, a news agency based in Iraqi Kurdistan.

"There are many crises in Turkey. The Turkish opposition and the Turkish people in general want to change the fascist and jihadist system. Erdoğan, on the other hand, only pursues a war policy in order to survive."

Accusing the government of Syria of acting "irresponsibly" and in accordance with the interests of Russia and Iran, Mehmûd said Russia had pursued its own interests and had not taken a step in favor of the people of Syria.

They foresee that Ankara and Moscow will reach a "dangerous deal" just like in Afrin, he added. In 2018, Turkey captured Afrin, a Kurdish city in northwestern Syria, after a two-month military offensive.

"For nearly 10 years of the Rojava Revolution, we have exercised our right to ... self defense. Apart from that, we didn't attack any party," said Mehmûd.

What is happening?

In early October, Turkey's government said its police officers in Azaz, a part of Aleppo under Turkey's control, were attacked by a guided missile and mortal shells were fired against Karkamış, a town bordering Syria.

After a cabinet meeting on October 11, President Erdoğan said, "We are determined to eliminate the threats arising from these places either together with the powers that are active there or by our own means. We'll take the necessary steps for the solution of these problems as soon as possible."

Following Erdoğan's statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu accused the US and Russia of not keeping their promises and added, "Since the terrorists have increased their attacks, what we should do is to take matters into our own hands."

Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar said on October 14 that "whatever is necessary will be done when the place and time comes."

Turkey views the YPG as a "terrorist group" and the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Apart from the Afrin operation, Turkey captured a few towns from Kurdish groups in Syria's north after the "Operation Peace Spring" in November 2019.

The latest situation in Syria. Red: Syrian government, Green: Presence of Turkey and armed groups against the government, Yellow: YPG, SDF, Blue: "Operation Peace Spring" area (Source: liveuamap.com)

(PT/VK)