As a veteran Syrian Kurdish fighter, Commander Azad, whose nom de guerre means freedom, walks with a limp and wears his battle scars with pride. He reflects on his injuries sustained from conflicts with Turkish forces and the Islamic State group (IS) while voicing his discontent over perceived betrayal from the United States, which once allied with the Kurds against IS.
The landscape of conflict is increasingly shifting, with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) currently facing a threat from the Syrian government, which seeks to reassert control over the northeastern Kurdish region. Commander Azad underscores the historical accountability of the U.S., stating, We will keep fighting until our last breath. We are not cry-babies.
Recent military actions from government troops have led to the displacement of Kurdish forces from strategic territories they held for over a decade. Azad notes that the recent political climate in Syria, particularly the backing of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa by the U.S., adds to the feeling of betrayal felt by the Kurds, who lost many fighters in the battle against IS.
Despite the dire circumstances, Kurdish fighters are resolute. Ali, another SDF member, acknowledges the heavy toll the war has taken on his comrades and community. As the fragile ceasefire approaches its expiration in early February, there is a pressing atmosphere of uncertainty. Talks aimed at establishing a lasting peace continue, although the specter of renewed conflict looms large, with Ali emphasizing their readiness to resist any aggression.
The fate of significant IS remnants, who remain detained in Kurdish-run facilities, also hangs in the balance should the region become a battleground again. The Kurdish forces, despite the overwhelming odds, are dedicated to defending their stance, believing their fight will transcend beyond individual battles for autonomy and significantly shape the future of the region.
The landscape of conflict is increasingly shifting, with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) currently facing a threat from the Syrian government, which seeks to reassert control over the northeastern Kurdish region. Commander Azad underscores the historical accountability of the U.S., stating, We will keep fighting until our last breath. We are not cry-babies.
Recent military actions from government troops have led to the displacement of Kurdish forces from strategic territories they held for over a decade. Azad notes that the recent political climate in Syria, particularly the backing of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa by the U.S., adds to the feeling of betrayal felt by the Kurds, who lost many fighters in the battle against IS.
Despite the dire circumstances, Kurdish fighters are resolute. Ali, another SDF member, acknowledges the heavy toll the war has taken on his comrades and community. As the fragile ceasefire approaches its expiration in early February, there is a pressing atmosphere of uncertainty. Talks aimed at establishing a lasting peace continue, although the specter of renewed conflict looms large, with Ali emphasizing their readiness to resist any aggression.
The fate of significant IS remnants, who remain detained in Kurdish-run facilities, also hangs in the balance should the region become a battleground again. The Kurdish forces, despite the overwhelming odds, are dedicated to defending their stance, believing their fight will transcend beyond individual battles for autonomy and significantly shape the future of the region.
