Below is a statement from the political leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces, America’s allies in the war against ISIS, in the wake of the Turkish invasion:

The self-administration of northern and eastern Syria, through its military forces, the Syria Democratic Forces formed out of all the components of the Syrian self-management areas, fought terrorism starting from Kobani in 2014. It continued the battles of liberation against terrorist groups in northern and eastern Syria.

The SDF managed to liberate Manbij west of the Euphrates, Tal Abyad, and Tabqa. We kept fighting until we reached the alleged capital of ISIS “al-Raqqa” and then Deir Ezzor. The SDF declared victory over this group after five years of fighting on March 23, 2019. This liberated geographical area is equivalent to one third of the total territories of Syria.

The SDF lost 11,000 martyrs and 24,000 wounded, including permanent disabilities during these battles.

This was a high price to liberate the Syrians and all their towns from the oppression and brutality of these terrorist organizations and to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria.

Our political project in northern and eastern Syria did not call for secession, but we have been calling for dialogue and resolving the Syrian crisis peacefully. We did not attack any country, especially Turkey. But it persists in calling us terrorists. However, Turkey played an important role in supporting terrorism in Syria.

Today, Turkey is invading the Syrian territory liberated by the SDF with the blood and sacrifices of its children. During the past five days, the most heinous crimes against unarmed civilians have been committed. The SDF has responded with dignity and courage resulting in the death and injury of its fighters. We fight to  save the integrity of Syria.

However Turkey is continuing its assault. As a a result, we had to deal with the Syrian government. It has the duty of protecting the country’s borders and preserve Syrian sovereignty. Now the Syrian army can enter and deploy along the Syrian-Turkish border. It will support the SDF in repelling this aggression. It will help to liberate the areas entered by the Turkish army and its hired mercenaries. This agreement offers an opportunity to liberate the rest of the Syrian territories and cities occupied by the Turkish army, such as Afrin.

Therefore, we call on all our people and all components in northern and eastern Syria, especially the border areas. We inform them that this deployment came through coordination and compatibility with the self-administration of the north and east of Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Ain Issa

The Self-Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria.