Kurdish Official Denies Drone Acquisition Claims; Critiques Turkish Propaganda

A Kurdish military official refuted claims of drone acquisitions from Iran as unfounded Turkish propaganda. He asserted that Kurdish drone capabilities are developed internally, criticizing Turkish media for distorting their image. He emphasized the significant Kurdish control in Syria and reflected on Turkey’s historical animosity towards Kurds amidst ongoing regional tensions.

In a recent video call with The Jerusalem Post, a Kurdish military official firmly denied allegations that Kurdish forces obtained drones from Iran, dismissing them as Turkish propaganda. This assertion followed claims made by the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak, which accused the Kurds of acquiring drone capabilities from the Iranian regime. The official clarified that their drone technology is limited and developed internally by their fighters.

The Kurdish official criticized Yeni Safak for its loyalty to Turkish President Erdogan and his AKP party, asserting that the publication aims to demonize Kurdish forces and associate them with extremist regimes. He emphasized that the Turkish military’s failure to combat Kurdish fighters has led them to resort to media misinformation about the Kurds.

Regarding the current status of Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria, the official stated that Kurdish forces manage approximately 30-35% of the region, which he believes to be the safest in the country. He further noted that their autonomy presents a challenge to Erdogan’s ambitions of expanding Turkish influence, reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire’s historical territorial boundaries.

The official remarked on the persistent attacks faced by Kurdish forces despite their identity as Syrians and highlighted Turkey’s inability to expand its operations east of the Euphrates River. He characterized this situation as a media war initiated by Turkey due to their lack of military success against Kurdish fighters.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) also responded to the claims made by Yeni Safak, asserting that their drone technology stems from local experience and decrying the Turkish media’s attempts to create hostility against them. They emphasized that the news is completely fabricated and part of Turkey’s strategy of systemic oppression against the Kurdish populace.

Historically, there has been significant animosity between the Turkish state and its Kurdish minority, which comprises around 15-20% of Turkey’s population. Tensions over ethnic identity and aspirations for Kurdish independence have led to ongoing violence, with Turkish forces regularly targeting Kurdish areas in Syria, labeling them as terrorist strongholds that support the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey.

As the current regime in Damascus solidifies its power, Kurdish leaders express concerns over the implications of Turkish-backed forces in Syria. The Kurdish official compared Turkey’s regime to Iran’s extremism, emphasizing that both countries harbor animosity towards Kurds and exacerbate incitement against them.

The official stressed the importance of Kurds in Turkish society, noting their significant population in cities like Istanbul. He lamented the ethnic cleansing faced by Kurds in eastern Turkey and reiterated that Kurdish autonomy in Syria hinders Turkish expansionist goals.

When questioned about the future of Kurdish relations with the new Syrian government, the official expressed cautious optimism about international efforts for a stable and inclusive Syria while acknowledging the dire situation on the ground, evidenced by the fragmented control of the Assad regime and rising extremist movements.

In discussing Israel, the official highlighted the historical ties and contributions of the Jewish people in the region. However, he acknowledged the challenges in fostering mutual cooperation due to the political landscape. He remarked that Israel possesses the potential to contribute to regional peace, emphasizing the desire for collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and achieve stability alongside the Jewish community.

The Kurdish military official’s statements come amid longstanding tensions between Turkey and its Kurdish population, exacerbated by the ongoing Syrian conflict. Kurdish forces in Syria have developed a degree of self-governance and military capability, often finding themselves at odds with Turkish interests. Turkey perceives Kurdish groups as terrorists linked to the PKK, which complicates the geopolitical landscape in the region.

The Kurdish official’s remarks underscore a broader struggle for autonomy and recognition amid accusations of external interference and misinformation. As tensions remain high, the need for accurate portrayal of Kurdish capacities and intentions is critical. The future of Kurdish relations within Syria and with neighboring powers remains uncertain, especially under the influence of entrenched hostility.

Original Source: www.jpost.com