Rojava's Syrian Democratic Council calls on Russia to stop Turkish attacks

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), which administers the Kurdish enclave of northeast Syria (Rojava), said on Sunday it holds Russia responsible for the recent increase in Turkish attacks in the region. 

In a statement, the SDC condemned the recent attacks on Rojava, adding that it holds Russia responsible for the Turkish attacks.

The council called on the “Russian government and its forces which are working in Syria to condemn these attacks and end the Turkish violations of the ceasefire agreement, as the Russian party is the guarantor of this agreement in these areas."

It also called on the international community to condemn the attacks, saying Turkey is “violating the laws of international legitimacy and sovereignty of states,” and threatens international peace and security.

Turkey has recently escalated its attacks on northern Syria, also raising concern from the US. 

A State Department spokesperson told Rudaw on Sunday that the United States is “deeply concerned” about reports of increased military activity in Rojava, noting that they “support maintenance of the current ceasefire lines and urge all parties to de-escalate."

In October 2019, Turkey launched an offensive against Kurdish forces in northeast Syria. Ceasefires were brokered by Moscow and Washington, but the truces are frequently violated.

On Sunday, a Turkish drone targeted a vehicle in Qamishli town, Hawar News Agency reported. No one was killed or injured in the attack. 

Turkey carried out an aerial attack on Thursday on Tel Tamir’s Military Council base, killing four members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including Sosin Birhat, who was known for her bravery in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). 

Two people were killed when Turkey bombarded Hasaka’s Zarkan district last week.