The map in Syria has changed significantly after the conflicts that have been ongoing since November 28. Anti-regime forces have made significant progress in Aleppo and have completely taken control of Idlib. It has been learned that SNA forces, which are now advancing in Hama, have taken control of some towns. Developments in Syria also have consequences in the diplomatic field. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi said that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if Damascus requests. Pentagon Spokesperson Patrick Ryder gave vital information about the US attitude towards the developments in Syria. Here are all the developments!
HE CALLED PYD A ‘VALUED PARTNER’
CNN TÜRK United States Representative Yunus Paksoy asked the Pentagon Spokesperson questions about the situation of the terrorist organization PYD/YPG in Syria.
Yunus Paksoy: The Biden administration has stated very clearly that you will protect your personnel and military bases. Many groups are currently attacking each other in northwestern Syria and other regions. Does this umbrella of protection also cover the SDG? So are you saying to them, “We have armed you to the brim with weapons, if you are attacked, defend yourself”?
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder: The United States’ presence in Syria is focused on the permanent defeat of ISIS. In this mission, the SDF is an invaluable partner for us, but I want to be clear: Our focus is on the mission to defeat ISIS and working with coalition partners, including the SDF.
WILL THE USA GIVE SUPPORT?
Yunus Paksoy; Just to clarify a bit. Because your answer wasn’t really a yes or no. So, if it’s not ISIS attacking the SDF, are they still under your protection? Will you come to their defense? That’s what I’m trying to say.
Pentagon Spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder: While we worked together against ISIS, we provided aid to the SDF. We work together, we are partners in this. But the question is “Are we going to look at other opportunities outside of this mission set?” If so, we need to remember why we are there and what we are focusing on. However, we find our partnership with the SDG very valuable. Our forces have fought together and paid the price together, but our focus in Syria remains the mission to defeat ISIS and that will remain our focus.
THE ADVANCE OF ANTI-REGIME FORCES CONTINUES
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, intense clashes took place in rural areas north of Hama. Anti-regime forces gained control of six more settlements.
Syrian and Russian air forces launched dozens of air strikes in the region.
PKK/YPG LEAVED ALEPPO WITH US-MADE VEHICLES
After the Syrian National Army captured Aleppo, the escape of PKK/YPG elements continues. In the images taken from the region, it was noted that PKK/YPG elements used US-made armored vehicles while evacuating the neighborhoods.
SYRIAN ARMY IS PREPARING FOR A COUNTER ATTACK
Syrian Official News Agency announced that the Syrian army is preparing for a counter-attack in Hama. For this reason, it was stated that the defense lines in the Hama countryside were strengthened.
It was announced that the conflict line was located 6 kilometers away from the outskirts of Hama city center.
CONFLICTS STARTED IN DEYRIZZOR
There is also activity in northern Syria.
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose main backbone is the terrorist organization YPG, launched an attack to remove regime forces and Iranian-backed groups from 7 villages in the east of the Euphrates in Deir ez-Zor province.
While PKK/YPG terrorists launched an attack on adjacent villages from three directions, clashes continue.
It is known that Iranian-backed groups have a dense presence in the region starting from Deir ez-Zor city center to Al-Bukemal district close to the Syria-Iraq border.
IDLIB WAS RELIEVED FROM YPG
Anti-regime armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, captured most of the city of Aleppo on November 30.
The opposition took the Khan Sheikhoun district on November 30 and gained control throughout Idlib.
Syrian National Army (SNA) troops took control of Tel Rifat, 18 kilometers from the Turkish border.
Tel Rifat was in the hands of YPG, the Syrian branch of the terrorist organization PKK, for 8 years.
RETURNS TO TEL RIFAT HAVE STARTED
SMO, which liberated the Tel Rifat area from the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, is trying to ensure the safe return of civilians by taking precautions against tunnels and traps in the district center.
People of Tel Rifaat, who were displaced years ago, started to return to the district.
The United Nations announced that approximately 50 thousand people had to leave their homes in the last few days due to the conflicts in Syria.
Source: AA-NTV-CNNTÜRK