Co-Chair of Syriac Union Party Sanharib Barsom: Turkish attacks will not discourage North and East Syria from prosecuting ISIS members

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — In response to the continued Turkish attacks targeting civil and military personnel in North and East Syria, Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party (Gabo Huyodo Suryoyo, SUP) Sanharib Barsom stated that Turkey’s aggressive policies would not deter the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) from trying members of the Islamic State (ISIS) currently in custody.

“The Turkish aggression against North and East Syria and Turkey’s support for ISIS is meant to strike stability in areas of the Autonomous Administration,” he stated.

In a statement to media-outlet Target, Barsom said that, “For years, ISIS was on the Turkish border and the Turkish government never declared that there was a threat to its national security, but when the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF], in cooperation with the U.S.-led International Coalition, began to liberate the areas from ISIS, all of a sudden Turkey wanted to fight ISIS.”

“However, the Turkish game was reveled, after its cooperation with ISIS, by handing over areas to the Turkish-backed factions within hours and taking control of other areas such as Jarabulus, Al-Bab, and others,” he added.

Barsom believes that Turkey seeks to strike at the stability of AANES areas through various methods, including mobilizing ISIS cells.

“We will not be surprised by Turkey sending ISIS cells to our regions and using them to serve its agenda, since the Turkish-occupied Syrian territory are a safe haven for ISIS leaders,” Barsom proclaimed, indicating that their problem is with the Turkish government’s support for such factions.

“The policy of just changing the factions’ names will not make the terrorist a patriot or a moderate,” he added.

Part of the Syrian people may be convinced, or are forced to be convinced, that the factions have reformed or are not affiliated with ISIS, said Barsom, but the majority have been harmed by these mercenary militias, whose image will never be beautified.

Furthermore, Barsom confirmed that the Turkish military escalation, by targeting North and East Syria civilians with drones, is trying to prevent AANES from prosecuting ISIS members.

“AANES announced it will establish courts to try ISIS members, and it is a decision that cannot be reversed, regardless of any international or Turkish pressures,” said Barsom, stressing that AANES is waiting for everyone to take deterrent positions against the Turkish aggression.

“The US has a great interest in ensuring the stability of the region and avoiding any new conflict between Turkey and the SDF,” said Barsom, pointing out that the Turkish attacks may create a new conflict. “The US should, in the interest of the people of the region, stop the ongoing escalation through mediation and giving prioritizing dialogue over security solutions.”