The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had suspended joint operations with the US-led coalition against ISIS cells in Syria’s northeastern region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on August 13.
“The SDF suspended joint operations with the international coalition against the terrorist organization, ISIS, six days ago,” the London-based monitoring group said in a report.
The decision to suspend counter-terrorism operations with the coalition was taken in protest to recent Turkish drone strikes on northern and northeastern Syria which claimed the lives of some personnel of the SDF.
According to the SOHR, 51 Turkish drone strikes targeted SDF-held areas in northern and northeastern Syria since the start of the year.
The monitoring group added that Turkish drone strikes have killed 12 people, three civilians, and nine personnel of the SDF, this month only. One of the casualties was Youssef Mahmoud Rabbani, a leader of the Kurdish-Iranian Kurdistan Free Life Party.
In response to the recent drone strikes, the SDF and its affiliate, the Afrin Liberation Forces, have been attacking Turkish bases and troops in Syria.
By suspending counter-terrorism operations, the SDF is likely trying to pressure the US-led coalition into restricting Turkey’s drone operations over its territory. The US have warned Turkey against launching a new operation against the SDF. However, it will not likely go as far as taking steps to actually restrict Turkish military operations in Syria.
Turkey remains a key NATO ally of the US. Washington is currently more interested in integrating Finland and Sweden into NATO in response to the Russian special military operation in Ukraine. This will not be possible without Ankara’s blessing.
Source: South Front