The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said a new offensive Turkey threatens to launch in northern Syria will cause a humanitarian crisis and undermine its campaign against the Islamic State group.
Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, appealed to all parties to "prevent any new tragedies and support de-escalation," warning that a new attack would lead to new waves of displacement in the 11-year-old Syrian conflict.
Turkey, which has launched four operations in northern Syria since 2016, has vowed to launch a new military incursion against the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the main component of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which controls large areas of northern Syria on the Turkish border.
Russia expressed its concern, saying it hopes that "Turkey will stop actions that could lead to a serious deterioration of the already difficult situation in Syria."
A foreign ministry spokeswoman told the Interfax news agency that if Ankara launched an attack, it would constitute a direct violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and would lead to an escalation of tension.
Washington expressed concern that any new offensive would endanger US forces with a presence in Syria and undermine regional stability. US support for the SDF has long strained relations with its ally, NATO member Turkey.
During a visit to the Turkish town of Khatai, near the Syrian border, on Thursday, the US ambassador to the United Nations reiterated Washington's opposition to any military action.
"We have reached out to the Turkish government. We have indicated our opposition to any decision to take military action on the Syrian side of the border. We believe that nothing should be done in breach of the existing ceasefire lines," Linda Thomas Greenfield said.
She added that any such action will not only lead to increased suffering, but will also lead to an increase in the number of displaced people, including attempts by some to cross the border into Turkey.
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- Agencies