Syria’s transitional government is trying to reach out to Kurds as it appears to prepare a new offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF is backed by the US and is composed mostly of Kurds.
The SDF controls eastern Syria. Syrian security forces recently ejected Kurdish fighters from two neighborhoods in Aleppo, raising concerns about Damascus abusing the rights of Kurds.
US officials, who back the new Syrian government, are concerned about attacks on the SDF.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa “affirmed that the injustices witnessed in Syria during the decades of the deposed regime’s rule affected all segments of the Syrian population without exception,” Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syria’s official news agency, reported Wednesday. “The President stressed that the post-liberation period represents a new beginning based on equal citizenship, the rule of law, and the building of state institutions. This ensures the constitutional rights of all Syrians, preserves the unity of Syrian territory, and strengthens stability and development.”
At the same time, Sharaa is trying to shore up support in the region. This week, he spoke to the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Meanwhile, Damascus also is trying to show that Kurds displaced from Aleppo in the fighting are returning.
“The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that thousands of displaced residents have begun returning to their homes in the Aleppo neighborhoods of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud, following weeks of displacement caused by clashes between the Syrian Arab Army and SDF organization,” SANA reported.
Syria plans SDF offensive while engaging Kurds for support
Syria is maneuvering to prepare the ground for a new offensive.
“The Syrian Arab Army’s Operations Command announced on Wednesday the opening of a humanitarian corridor toward Aleppo city, saying the passage will be opened on Thursday via Hmemeh village on the M15 main road linking Deir Hafer with Aleppo,” SANA reported.
“We draw the attention of our people residing in the previously specified eastern Aleppo area – identified via the screens and platforms of al-Ikhbariyah channel – that a humanitarian corridor will be opened tomorrow toward Aleppo city,” the report quoted a Syrian official as saying.
The concept of a humanitarian corridor appears to be one of several messaging themes that Syria has borrowed from the Israel-Hamas War.
Syria has begun to send reinforcements to the Dayr Hafir front near the Euphrates River. It is now opening saying that it is fighting against “SDF elements, PKK [Kurdistan Workers’ Party] terrorist militants, and remnants of the deposed regime,” SANA reported, adding that “on Tuesday, the Army’s Operations Command declared Deir Hafer and Maskanah, located on the western bank of the Euphrates, a closed military zone due to continued mobilization by SDF groups, PKK militants, and remnants of the deposed regime.”
“Closed military zones” is language that Damascus appears to have borrowed from Israeli announcements. It is not clear if this is systematic use of this terminology by Syria, hoping to appeal to Western audiences.
The accusation that the SDF is linked to the PKK is often made by Turkey. Ankara backs the Syrian government, and the SDF has reported that Turkish drones have been active over the front line recently.
The SDF is concerned that Turkey might join a Syrian government offensive.
Syria’s government is now also portraying the SDF as recruiting former Assad regime members. It also says “criminals are being recruited [by the SDF] with support from Iran and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).”
This will not go over well with US officials, who have worked closely with the SDF for years.
In another move, designed to prepare the way for a new offensive, “The Syrian Arab Army Operations Command declared the areas of Deir Hafer and Maskanah, located on the western Euphrates, a closed military zone following continued mobilization by SDF groups, along with PKK terrorists and remnants of the deposed regime in the area,” SANA reported.
Damascus officials published a map of the area being targeted in the upcoming offensive, including Dayr Hafir, Maskanah, Babiri, and Qawas on the western bank of the Euphrates River.