The Syrian Democratic Forces called on Russia to stop further attacks by local Turkey-backed militias near the town of Ain Issa in northern Syria, Kurdistan 24 reported on Monday.
“The communications (between the SDF and Russia) are focused on stopping the attacks by the armed groups, and we are awaiting a transparent and practical response from the Russian side to stop the violations committed by the Turkish-backed armed groups,” SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel told Kurdistan 24 on Sunday.
Ain Issa, located on the strategic M4 highway that connects northeast Syria, is held by SDF, a Kurdish-led alliance of militias which handed the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group a territorial defeat with U.S. military support.
The town and nearby areas have been bombarded by Turkey-backed fighters since early December. Kurdistan 24 reported earlier that the attacks have led to an agreement between the SDF and Russia for Russian and pro-Syrian government forces to establish military positions in the area to deter further violence.
Gabriel confirmed that there was “an agreement between the SDF and Russia-Syria concerning the observation points in north of Ain Issa”. However, the spokesperson rejected claims that the SDF handed control of the town over to the Syrian government.
“There are no changes to the control of Ain Issa. We are committed to previous agreements, and there are no new understandings. If there are to be new deals, they will be officially announced,” Gabriel said.
Ahval