North-East Syria’s Critical Junction: Assessing the Aftermath of Assad’s Fall and PKK Disarmament

North-eastern Syria is at a pivotal moment following the fall of the Assad regime, with the SDF facing shifting threats from Turkey and ISIS. Commander Zanarin Kobani highlights the strategic use of underground tunnels to evade Turkish drone strikes. As Abdullah Ocalan calls for PKK disbandment, the SDF seeks diplomatic engagements while maintaining readiness for self-defense in a region that remains fraught with tensions among various factions and aspirations for stability.

The tunnels beneath Kobani are well-known to Commander Zanarin Kobani of the YPJ, the women’s unit of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that governs a semi-autonomous region in north-eastern Syria. “As much as there is an above-ground Kobani, there is an underground Kobani,” she remarked. The SDF has constructed an extensive network of tunnels to evade Turkey’s drone assaults. A ten-minute journey through the tunnels leads to a well-furnished space equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and Wi-Fi, where Ms. Kobani monitors crucial city sites on live footage. Following a strict security protocol, access to these underground spaces is limited, with few journalists allowed inside. Commander Kobani lives under constant threat, knowing that drones will target her at the first hint of her location. She has fought against ISIS in several battles, including those in Manbij and Raqqa, but since 2019, she contends that the focus has shifted from ISIS to Turkey, which perceives the Kurdish-led region as a security danger.

Turkey regards the YPG, the dominant faction of the SDF, as a terrorist organization due to its connections with the PKK, a Kurdish militant group involved in a long-standing conflict with Ankara. Recently, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK leader, announced his intention to disband and disarm the PKK, a development that could potentially reduce tensions between Turkey and the Kurdish administration, although its implications for north-eastern Syria remain uncertain. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi praised Ocalan’s declaration, clarifying that it pertains exclusively to the PKK and not to their operations in Syria

Turkey has undertaken numerous military operations in north-eastern Syria, capturing swathes of land along the border, especially following the regime’s collapse in December. The SNA, allied with Turkish forces, advanced west of the Euphrates, increasing tension in the semi-autonomous region, which hosts valuable oil reserves. Amid this uncertainty, Ms. Kobani expresses concern for women’s rights and hopes for successful dialogue to ensure peace. She states, “We need international guarantees that Turkey will stop attacking us. People here will not accept any occupation.” The SDF prefers diplomatic solutions before considering military action, which would likely lead to unfavorable outcomes against Turkey’s forces.

Facing pressure and dissatisfaction among local Arab communities, the SDF has recently engaged in discussions with the new government led by HTS, congratulating them on their appointments and even recognizing the new Syrian revolutionary flag. However, there is a notable tension regarding military integration, with Mr. Al Shara advocating for unification into a new national army while the SDF wishes to maintain its standalone force for regional defense. As parties maneuver towards a new political landscape, many Kurds are hopeful for eventual improvement in their rights, having endured decades of oppression under the Assad regime.

Despite the fall of the Assad regime, significant challenges persist, as witnessed by rising tensions between SDF security forces and local protesters. The influx of displaced individuals exacerbates the situation, with many seeking refuge from the recent Turkish offensive, while some schools are repurposed to shelter them. Meanwhile, ISIS remains a threat, with sleeper cells reportedly gaining traction amid the chaos. The local population, weary from years of conflict, prioritizes stability, articulating a desire for peace, as noted by Sobhi Hassan, who expressed, “As long as our rights and our Kurdish identity are guaranteed, we don’t care which government rules us,” emphasizing the community’s longing for safety and normalcy amidst the ongoing turmoil.

In conclusion, the recent developments in north-eastern Syria underscore a complex and precarious situation for the Kurdish-led administration and the SDF. As they navigate between Turkish aggressions and the emerging political landscape following the fall of the Assad regime, international guarantees of protection and support are crucial for ensuring stability. The potential disbandment of the PKK could serve as a pivotal factor, but many challenges lie ahead in achieving a collaborative and peaceful resolution that safeguards the rights of the Kurdish population amidst regional volatility.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com