Despite Turkey’s promise to abide by the Sochi Agreement, its attacks on Ain Issa (Eyn İsa) continue. As Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resist against the offensives, Russia, the guarantor of the agreement, has taken no action in favour of the Syrian regime.
Attacks launched by Turkey and its affiliated groups against the Ain Issa province of North East Syria continue. The SDF has so far defeated the Syrian National Army’s (SNA) assaults. However, the Syrian regime and Russian forces remain silent on the attacks.
Some interpret Russia’s attitude in a manner that upsets Turkey. According to Nazım Dasştan’s report, published by the Mesopotamia Agency, Russia aims to hand over Ain Issa to the Syrian regime.
Attacks have been defeated
As air strikes against Gire Spi and rural areas of Ain Issa are being carried out by Turkey, a ground war is being executed by paramilitary forces gathered under the name of SNA. Most of the attacks are taking place in the centre of Ain Issa, its villages and the M4 main road.
The groups Ahrar Al-Şerqiye, the Hamza Division, the Soleyman Shakh Brigade and the Sultan Murat Brigade are the main assailants. However, all attacks so far have been repelled by the SDF.
Turkish armed forces and Turkish-backed groups attacked Cehbel Village located near Ain Issa on the M4 main road in North East Syria on 20 December.
SDF commander Ziyad Heleb commented on the clashes that have rocked the area since 18 December. Heleb said, “The Turkish state and its gangs attacked the Cehbel and Mişerfa villages at around 5.30 a.m. The clashes are still ongoing. Occupying forces could not gain ground. Gangs could not take over Cehbel and Mişêrfa villages as they claimed on Facebook or their affiliated media. Those claims are false. Both villages are under the control of SDF forces”.
Commander Heleb sent a message of resistance and said , “Our fighters will not allow these gangs to invade our land”.
Watch tent
Meanwhile, citizens of North East Syria demonstrated by setting up tents in the centre of Ain Issa. The tents have been placed near Russian military posts. People from Raqqa, Minbic, Tabqa and Kabani have participated in the demonstration.
