In a defiant stance against the Syrian government’s escalating military pressure, Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria have vowed to continue their fight for autonomy and self-determination. Commander Azad, a seasoned fighter of the Kurdish forces, reflects on the deep scars—both physical and emotional—left by years of conflict and a perceived betrayal by former allies, particularly the United States. As the Syrian government intensifies its campaign to reclaim resource-rich territories, the Kurds find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the potential consequences of renewed conflict.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Commander Azad, whose name translates to “freedom,” embodies the resilience of the Kurdish fighters. His body bears the marks of a lifetime dedicated to combatting various adversaries, including the Islamic State (IS). “My leg was injured during a Turkish airstrike in 2018,” he recounts, revealing a shrapnel wound on his arm and discussing injuries sustained in battles against IS. Yet, it is the emotional toll of betrayal from the US that weighs heavily on him. The Kurdish forces previously collaborated closely with the US in their joint efforts to dismantle IS, but that partnership has since soured.
“The history will hold them accountable,” Azad asserts, referring to the shifting allegiances that have left Kurdish fighters feeling abandoned. As the Syrian government aims to consolidate control over the Kurdish regions, the stakes are higher than ever.
Rising Tensions and Strategic Calculations
In recent weeks, Syrian government troops have made significant advances, seizing control of areas previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This strategic push is viewed as a direct challenge to the autonomy that the Kurdish forces have fought to establish since the defeat of IS in 2019. The Syrian government’s backing of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa—a former jihadist—adds a layer of complexity and tension to the situation. Commander Azad draws parallels between al-Sharaa and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the late leader of IS, stating, “They are the same thing.”
The SDF, which has already sacrificed 11,000 fighters in the battle against IS, now faces the possibility of an intense confrontation. Despite the precarious ceasefire set to expire on 7 February, Kurdish leaders remain adamant about pursuing dialogue while preparing for the worst. “We don’t want war, but if we are forced down that path, we will fight back,” asserts Siyamend Ali of the People’s Protection Units (YPG).
The Humanitarian Crisis in Camps
The looming threat of conflict has profound implications extending beyond the battlefield. Kurdish-run prisons currently house approximately 8,000 suspected IS fighters and their families, over 34,000 individuals detained in camps. The al-Hol camp, now under Syrian government control, has seen increased tensions, with reports of IS sympathisers emboldened by the shifting power dynamics.
Camp manager Hekmiya Ibrahim shares her concerns about the radicalisation of detainees, noting that recent events have sparked chants of support for IS among the residents. “We will return,” they declare. The precarious situation raises alarms about the potential for these camps to become hotbeds of extremism if the conflict escalates.
Within the Roj camp, which remains under Kurdish authority, over 2,000 foreign women and children face dire living conditions. Many plead for their children to have normal lives, free from the shadows of their parents’ pasts. “My daughter deserves an education and a future,” one mother lamented, highlighting the generational impact of the ongoing crisis.
A Crossroads for International Policy
The ramifications of the Kurdish struggle extend to international relations, particularly for countries reluctant to repatriate their nationals currently detained in Kurdish camps. The UK and other nations may soon be compelled to reconsider their strategies as the situation in Syria becomes increasingly volatile.
As a humanitarian crisis unfolds alongside the geopolitical manoeuvrings, the Kurdish forces remain steadfast in their commitment to fight for their rights and resist the Syrian government’s encroachment. The world watches as the situation develops, with implications that could ripple far beyond the region.
Why it Matters
The ongoing conflict between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government is not merely a local dispute; it is a reflection of larger geopolitical trends and humanitarian concerns. As Kurdish fighters prepare for potential escalation, the future of thousands of detainees in camps hangs in the balance. The response from international governments will be crucial in shaping the outcome, as the world grapples with the consequences of a protracted struggle for autonomy amid shifting alliances and a resurging threat of extremism in the region.
