Mahmoud Habib: SDF represents ‘significant role’ for Syrian army

Mahmoud Habib, spokesperson for the Democratic North Forces, spoke to ANHA agency regarding Turkey’s intervention in Syrian affairs and its persistent attempts to establish a foothold in Syria by introducing extremist rhetoric into the revolutionary movement and providing unwavering support to mercenary groups.

 Habib stated that on May 30, 2017, Turkey openly and directly established groups of mercenaries under its control, exerting significant efforts to indoctrinate and transform Syrian youth from revolutionaries into mercenaries and killers. These groups were given names that clearly reflected their ties to the Turkish state and its neo-Ottoman project, including "Sultan Suleiman Shah," "Sultan Murad," and "Sultan Malik Shah." Many of these groups have been designated as terrorist organizations on international lists.

 Habib explained that what is referred to as the "National Army" was founded on the ruins of revolutionary factions that had been dismantled between 2013 and early 2015.

 "During this period, dozens of revolutionary factions that refused to operate under Turkish intelligence supervision or join Islamist factions such as Ahrar al-Sham were eliminated—either dissolved, disarmed, or killed," Habib added.

 He pointed out that the large surplus of manpower, following Turkey’s efforts to dissolve factions, led many fighters to seek refuge in Turkey. There, Turkish intelligence opened reception centers, promising them the formation of a force to fight against the Ba’ath regime.

 Habib elaborated: "The MIT employed several strategies to push Syrians toward mercenary activities. After subjecting them to military training and paying salaries for several months, they were subsequently deployed into combat. The so-called National Army was initially formed with specific objectives, but these were soon abandoned as handpicked leaders manipulated and redirected them to fight within Syria, first in Jarablus and Al-Bab, then in Afrin, before sending them to external wars unrelated to Syria."

 Habib also underscored Turkey’s propaganda tactics, which lured Syrians with the claim that they would be fighting against the regime. However, he noted that this never materialized, as in 2019, the regime regained control over vast areas of Hama without any confrontation with these groups, leading to the displacement of more than 1.4 million people.

 Addressing the violent events in Syria’s coastal region, Habib remarked, "The crimes committed by mercenaries in the coastal areas backfired against them because crime cannot be remedied by crime." He stressed the necessity of ceasing all hostilities across Syria and working toward transitional justice.

 Habib highlighted the atrocities committed by Turkish-backed mercenaries against the people of North and East Syria, particularly following the March 10 agreement between the SDF and the Damascus government. He emphasized that these mercenaries would continue committing massacres as they remain under Turkish orders.

 He also revealed ongoing attempts by these mercenary groups to realign their positions in response to shifting dynamics in Syria, including efforts to ingratiate themselves with the Damascus government, project an image of victory, and escalate violence to prolong conflicts and evade transitional justice, which could lead them to the courts.

 Habib pointed out that the turmoil in Syria, characterized by the presence of mercenary and extremist groups, highlights the crucial role of the SDF. Since its establishment in 2015, the SDF has consistently confronted Turkish-backed mercenaries and defended Syrians, providing a significant source of hope, particularly in light of the recent agreement between the SDF and Damascus to form a Syrian army rooted in the SDF’s experience in counterterrorism and its commitment to equidistance from all Syrian factions.

 He emphasized that the SDF has never engaged in combat against fellow Syrians, as its foundation is built upon defending its land and people under the principle of legitimate self-defense. This, he argued, sets the SDF apart from other military formations that have been involved in offensive and aggressive operations.

 Habib reiterated the SDF’s role as a key pillar in the formation of a disciplined national Syrian army dedicated to protecting Syria’s land and people. He stressed that this collaboration would pave the way for the establishment of a genuine Ministry of Defense, free of mercenaries, criminals, and traitors, ultimately marking the beginning of a new Syria.

 a.k

ANHA