"US-Backed SDF Planning to Drive Turkish Troops out of Northern Syria"

"Meanwhile, a US delegation recently declared the American forces' support for the SDF ..."

June 17, 2018 - 12:47
FARS

TEHRAN (FNA)- The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are planning to launch a large-scale military operation in Northwestern Aleppo to push back the Turkish troops and their allied militants from Afrin region, a media source reported on Sunday.

The Kurdish-language Rudaw news website reported that the SDF intends to kick off a large-scale operation to push back the Ankara forces from Afrin.

Rudaw pointed to several meetings between the SDF commanders and foreign powers in the region, adding that the SDF is preparing to carry out a massive operation in Afrin, Jarabulus and Azaz.

The website further said that al-Bab region is among those regions likely to come under attack by the SDF.

Rudaw went on to say that the Northern Syria operation will be launched after the SDF ends battle with ISIL-affiliated Asefat al-Jazeera gunmen in Deir Ezzur province.

The SDF has intensified forced recruitment in Raqqa, Manbij, Hasaka and Eastern Deir Ezzur since May.

The SDF arrested a number of demonstrators who protested the US-backed militias' forced recruiting in Raqqa, Manbij and Hasaka.

In the meantime, analysts believe that the SDF prefers to recruit Arab youths and train them to use them later in battle with the Ankara forces.

Meanwhile, a US delegation recently declared the American forces' support for the SDF in a meeting with the allied militias in the town of Manbij.

Local sources and analysts said that they believe the SDF was almost through with the plan and its preparing to launch a major assault against the Turkish army in Northern Syria.

[END REPORT]

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