A Kurdish military official denied claims of acquiring drones from Iran, attributing such reports to Turkish propaganda. He emphasized that their drone capabilities are developed internally and criticized the Turkish media for misrepresenting the Kurdish situation. The ongoing Kurdish struggle for autonomy and safety in Syria is compounded by historical tensions with Turkey and recent military actions.
A Kurdish military official asserted that they did not acquire drones from Iran, dismissing such claims as Turkish propaganda. This statement followed reports from the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak, which suggested Kurdish forces had sourced drone technology from Iran. The official emphasized their drone capabilities were basic and entirely developed internally by Kurdish fighters.
The official criticized Yeni Safak for its ties to President Erdogan’s AKP party, alleging that the publication actively seeks to malign the Kurdish forces by associating them with extremist regimes. He voiced concerns that Turkish media distorts their narrative to sow division and undermine their legitimacy on the ground.
On the situation in Syrian Kurdish regions, the official revealed that their forces control 30-35% of the territory, claiming it is the safest region in Syria. He remarked that their existence poses a challenge to Erdogan’s ambitions to reshape the region along Ottoman lines, highlighting ongoing attacks despite being Syrian nationals themselves.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement rejecting the claims made by Turkish media, clarifying that their drones are products of local expertise. They emphasized that misleading narratives from Turkey aim to delegitimize their fight and foster hostility towards their people.
Historically, tension has persisted between the Turkish state and its Kurdish minority, which constitutes around 15-20% of Turkey’s population. With millions of Kurds living across the region, including Syria, Iran, and Iraq, their quest for autonomy has often been met with resistance from Turkey, leading to prolonged conflict.
Turkish military actions in Syrian Kurdish areas have intensified since 2016, with claims that Kurdish groups support the PKK, classified as a terrorist organization in Turkey. This has resulted in an ongoing occupation of traditionally Kurdish territories, leading to fears of further repression amidst a changing political landscape in Damascus.
The official expressed unease regarding the Syrian government’s relationship with Turkey, underscoring that the Kurdish population, a significant component of Turkish society, has faced displacement. He reiterated that their autonomy in Syria presents a barrier to Turkish territorial ambitions.
When queried about future relations with the new Syrian regime, he remained skeptical. While acknowledging commendable international efforts toward democratic stability, he highlighted the region’s dangerous circumstances, exacerbated by ongoing violence and the potential resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS.
On the subject of Israel, the official articulated admiration for the Jewish nation’s historical significance in the region, suggesting they can contribute positively to peace initiatives in the Middle East. However, he noted that prevailing political challenges hinder open collaboration between Kurds and Israelis, despite recognizing Israel’s capabilities to promote stability in the region.
The Kurdish military official’s remarks come amidst heightened tensions with Turkey, which has historically suppressed Kurdish aspirations for autonomy. The Turkish government frequently links Kurdish forces to terrorism, particularly through claims that they receive external support, such as drone technology from Iran. Kurdish territories in Syria have become central to the ongoing conflict, where local forces strive for recognition and safety amidst external threats from Turkey and its allies.
The Kurdish military official vehemently denied acquiring drone technology from Iran, labeling such assertions as Turkish propaganda. As tensions mount in Kurdish regions of Syria, local forces emphasize their self-sufficiency and the impact of misleading narratives in the media. The official’s concerns extend beyond current tensions to the broader implications of regional politics and historical enmity with Turkey, as well as the potential for future collaboration with Israel.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
