Mixed messages from SDF over personnel withdrawal from Syria-Turkey border

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who control northeastern Syria has said the withdrawal of its personnel from the Syria-Turkey border has yet to commence, despite a statement from the group announcing personnel withdrawal from the area as long ago as Saturday.

Speaking to Rudaw on Tuesday, SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel said that the SDF had withdrawn only weaponry – not forces – from the Syria-Turkey border.

“Our forces have not withdrawn from the area,” Gabriel told Rudaw when asked if SDF forces had withdrawn five kilometers from the border.

However, force withdrawal from the area would eventually take place, Gabriel said.

"As for the [SDF] forces, they will be withdrawn gradually, not instantly from the entirety of the safe zone."

Gabriel’s comments come despite a statement from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (NES) today which said the removal of both weaponry and personnel from buffer zone-designated areas began on Saturday, amid the ongoing removal of heavy weaponry and dismantling of their military posts close to the Turkish border.

"The first practical steps -- in the Ras al-Ain area -- in removing some earth mounds and withdrawing a group of (Kurdish) People's Protection Units and heavy weapons have begun," according to the August 27 statement.

The SDF began removing posts and weaponry from the buffer zone designated area a few days ago, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) sharing images of force members dismantling fortifications near the Turkish border on August 22 in accordance with the safe zone agreement. 

The safe zone in northern Syria was established after a series of talks by Turkey and the US – the main backer of the Kurdish-majority SDF - led to an agreement to establish a joint operations center in the Turkish province of Sanliurfa, on the Syrian border.

With details of the buffer zone’s operation yet to be set in stone, US discussions with Turkey are taking place in “coordination and direct communication" with the SDF and the NES, Gabriel told Rudaw.

"We are confident that the safe zone will do its work and mission, which is to ensure the protection and stability of our areas. This will open the space for our forces and internal security forces to fight Daesh [Islamic State]," added Gabriel.

SDF officials have denied implementation of the safe zone will  lead to the area being subject to a permanent Turkish presence. Spokesperson Mustafa Bali rejected claims that Turkey will station troops or establish permanent observation points in the area.

"Turkish forces have not yet entered by land […] it will be restricted to joint patrols of American and Turkish forces. This won't constitute a threat or danger to the peoples or the forces in the area," Gabriel added.