Kurdish Military Official Denies Iranian Drone Claims, Critiques Turkish Propaganda

A Kurdish military representative denied claims from Turkish media about drone technology acquisition from Iran, attributing such statements to propaganda by Turkey’s government. He asserted that Kurdish drone capabilities are locally developed and essential for their self-defense. The official also addressed the historical enmity between Kurds and Turkish authorities, emphasizing the need for international support, particularly from Israel, to ensure regional stability and counter extremism.

A Kurdish military official firmly denied claims that the Kurds received drone technology from Iran, calling such allegations Turkish propaganda. In response to an article from the Turkish outlet Yeni Safak, the official asserted, “We did not acquire any drone capabilities from the Iranians. Our drone capabilities are very basic and they are all made in-house, in initiatives led by our fighters.” He criticized Yeni Safak for distorting the image of Kurdish forces to further Turkish President Erdogan’s agenda.

The official detailed that the Kurdish forces control approximately 30-35% of Syrian territory, claiming it is the safest region amidst ongoing conflict. He noted that their existence threatens Erdogan’s aspirations to reshape the Middle East according to Ottoman Empire boundaries. Despite ongoing attacks, the Kurdish forces have managed to maintain their control, contrasting Turkey’s failure to expand east of the Euphrates.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) also refuted Yeni Safak’s allegations, asserting that their drone capabilities stem from local expertise in North and East Syria. They condemned the Turkish media for its fabrications, emphasizing that such claims aim to discredit Kurdish forces and foster hostility against them.

Historically, the Turkish state has had a contentious relationship with its Kurdish minority, which constitutes 15-20% of its population, leading to continuous conflict. Turkish operations against the Kurds, whom they label as terrorists, have intensified since 2016, particularly affecting traditional Kurdish regions in northern Syria. The Kurdish official expressed concerns that the rise of the new Damascus regime may provide opportunities for Turkish-backed forces to escalate their attacks.

The ongoing situation in Syria characters a disjointed governance system, fostering extremist groups that threaten Kurdish populations. The official lamented the current regime’s failure to establish a comprehensive control over Syria, fueling fears of a potential resurgence of ISIS. He emphasized the need for cooperative frameworks to combat terror, highlighting the critical role that Israel could play in promoting regional stability.

He concluded, “While the current political landscape hampers open collaboration, Israel’s strengths and capabilities could significantly contribute to peace in the region. The Jewish people, with their rich historical presence, are essential in this pursuit.”

The Kurdish military’s assertions come in the midst of escalating tensions with Turkey, particularly surrounding accusations that Kurdish forces are receiving support from Iran. This issue represents longstanding ethnic conflicts where the Turkish government views Kurdish groups as threats to its national integrity, predominantly due to their perceived associations with the PKK, identified as a terrorist organization by Ankara. As Turkish military operations against Kurdish regions in Syria persist, the Kurdish forces have sought to publicly assert their autonomy and local capabilities.

In conclusion, the Kurdish military official’s firm denial of drone acquisition from Iran underscores the ongoing political and military tensions between Kurdish forces and the Turkish government. The allegations, framed as propaganda, reflect broader historical conflicts driven by ethnic nationalism and territorial control. As both local and international dynamics evolve, the Kurdish forces continue to advocate for their autonomy while navigating complex relationships in a turbulent region. The official’s statements highlight the significance of external support, particularly from Israel, in stabilizing the region and combating extremist threats.

Original Source: www.jpost.com