The General of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a statement on Thursday regarding the ongoing attacks by the invading Turkish state and allied mercenaries on northern Syria.

The statement calling upon all those who value the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory to adopt clear positions against Turkish aggression and its mercenaries includes the following:

“Despite the efforts exerted by the international coalition and the United States to de-escalate and implement a ceasefire in Manbij and other regions, the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries did not abide by these calls and persisted in their attacks on the southern frontlines of Kobani in Qereqozaq Bridge and Tishreen Dam.

Yesterday, December 18th, the Turkish occupation launched a large-scale attack on the Tishreen Dam axis. Intense clashes erupted and lasted until the evening hours. Our forces resolutely confronted the attackers and successfully repelled their attacks. Additionally, various areas within Kobani came under attack from Turkish occupation UCAVs and heavy artillery. Simultaneously, the Turkish army continues to mobilize forces in the Suruc area, while Turkish tanks and armored vehicles are deployed along the northern border of Kobani and the western side of the Qereqozaq Bridge.

We, the Syrian Democratic Forces, emphasize the importance of de-escalation, the cessation of all military operations, and the resolution of all outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue. However, we will not hesitate to defend our people and territories against any aggression or attack. We firmly assert that the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries’ attempt to attack Kobani will not be a picnic. Our forces, in conjunction with the courageous resistance of the people of Kobani, will fight with unwavering determination. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the SDF and the Kobani populace, Kobani will become an insurmountable quagmire for the invading occupation forces.

Therefore, we assure our people that our forces and the valiant people of Kobani will not merely resist but will ultimately achieve a decisive victory. The heroic spirit displayed by our forces a week ago near Qereqozaq Bridge and the Tishreen Dam serves as the most compelling evidence of the triumph of the Kobani resistance.

We call upon our people in Kobani to demonstrate their unwavering determination by actively participating in the resistance and taking up arms against the occupation. We urge all the people of Kobani to embrace their duty to defend their homeland by joining the fight on the frontlines. Together, we must transform every village and every corner of Kobani into an impregnable fortress of resistance.

We must recognize that resistance is the sole path to victory and a life of freedom and dignity. We assure our people in Kobani and all regions of North and East Syria that they are not alone in their struggle. The conscience of humanity and the global community stand with you. International reactions have already begun prior to the attack, and we are confident that the entire world will witness your heroic resistance.

The Syrian Democratic Forces affirm their positive stance on the decision made at the Aqaba meeting regarding the cessation of military operations in Syria, as well as the efforts of our international coalition partners to de-escalate tensions. However, we urge all concerned countries and powers to adopt a more decisive and stringent stance to halt Turkish aggression and the attacks of its mercenaries.

We appeal to all Arab countries and the entire Arab community to recognize that the Turkish state poses the greatest threat to the unity and security of Syrian territory. Turkey’s attempts to occupy more Syrian land under false pretenses cannot be tolerated. We call upon all those who value the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory to adopt clear positions against Turkish aggression and its mercenaries.”