The leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, has called for peace, which may ease tensions with Turkey and support efforts against the Islamic State. The SDF, while optimistic, clarifies their military position remains unchanged. Amid a resurgence of IS, the need for continued U.S. military presence in Syria is critical to maintaining stability.
In Washington, there exists optimism that Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) imprisoned in Turkey, has encouraged his factions to cease armed conflict. This move could improve relations with Ankara and bolster efforts to combat the remaining elements of the Islamic State (IS). White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated, \”It’s a significant development… We hope that it will help assuage our Turkish allies about U.S. counter-ISIS partners in northeast Syria.\”
The U.S. has historically supported the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Northern Syria as they fight against IS. However, Turkey views the SDF as a front for the PKK, leading to strained relations between Washington and Ankara. The SDF expressed cautious optimism, with its commander General Mazloum Abdi clarifying that the PKK’s disarmament does not affect their own military stance in Syria. \”This is only for the PKK. It is nothing related to us here in Syria,\” added General Abdi.
Turkey has conducted operations against the SDF and launched airstrikes that have angered U.S. officials, particularly when strikes endangered American forces. Recently, Kurdish leaders warned that ongoing Turkish assaults jeopardize the security of SDF-run prisons housing approximately 10,000 IS detainees. General Abdi stated, \”We [are] doing our best… securing these prisons, which is not [an] easy task at all…\”
The SDF has reported that the Islamic State is taking advantage of the security void created in the region, becoming increasingly active and emboldened. General Abdi noted, \”ISIS has taken advantage of the security gap… We see ISIS become more visible… showing more lethal capabilities.\” Intelligence assessments indicate that IS retains control over numerous fighters across Syria and Iraq and is intent on regaining territory.
General Abdi emphasized the importance of maintaining U.S. military presence in Syria to prevent chaos. He warned that withdrawal could exacerbate the security vacuum, asserting, \”There is already security vacuum… it’s essential for the sake of preserving stability and security.\”
The recent call for peace from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan represents a significant potential shift in Kurdish-Turkish dynamics, which could enhance U.S.-Turkey relations and address threats from the Islamic State. However, U.S. military presence remains crucial for stability in Syria amidst the resurgence of IS and ongoing Turkish operations against Kurdish forces.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
