Second part of the interview.
Second part of the interview.
We present the second part of the interview with a former Syrian National Army (SNA) commander, published by Ali Erdem Köz from Türkiye’s daily Aydınlık daily newspaper.
In this second part, the interview revolves around the “stolen revolution”, the possible threats to Türkiye by HTS and the new government in Syria and PKK/YPG.
SNA (Syrian National Army), initially started operations in Tel Rifaat, and then in Manbij. Now, a ceasefire process has come into play. How do you assess the latest developments?
The PKK needs to be completely eliminated. A unitary structure must be established throughout Syria. However, this is impossible as long as HTS is the government. Türkiye is using SNA as a proxy force on the ground. But the groups within SNA are primarily fighting to bring about a revolution in Damascus, the Assad government has fallen as they wanted.
“Turkmen trap”
The structure of SNA isn’t suitable to fight against PKK in the way Türkiye wants. It is not possible with just a few Turkmen leaders scattered within SNA.
Let me open a parenthesis here. The SNA and the Turkmen have different aims. The aim of SNA is the Syrian revolution. This has nothing to do with the aim of Turkmans or the rights and freedoms of the Turkmen.
This has been manipulated by figures like the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahçeli and his cadres, portraying the developments in Syria as if it were about the “Turkmen cause”. This is a trap. There is no such thing. Moreover, we know very well what HTS did to the Turkmen groups in the past. HTS imprisoned many Turkmen leaders and expelled them.
They appointed Turkmen commanders to the groups that are 80% and presented these groups as Turkmen. People have sympathy as they usually see Turkmen leaders on social media. But in reality, most of those groups are Arab. There is a great trap and danger here for the Turkish public, especially the conservative and nationalist segments. This trap is set by the CIA and MOSSAD. The reality is quite the opposite of what is being portrayed. Türkiye will be forced to accept in Syria a federation with a terrorism corridor with PKK.
Recently, Turkish TV channels showed a photo where HTS militants had flowers on the tips of their rifles.
Tomorrow, those flowers might turn into bullets, and they could target our soldiers. We’ve experienced this before. HTS demanded from SNA to join its forces. Some joined and those who didn’t fled to Türkiye. Who will control this HTS? Will it be under Türkiye’s control? HTS has never been under Türkiye’s control.
We are facing a situation where events are unfolding outside of our control, under the influence of Israel and the CIA. Look, Israel has positioned itself in strategic areas in Syria, especially in the Hermon Mountain and Quneitra region. These are natural fortresses with rich water resources. From these regions, you can control many areas.
Stealing the show
Israel can even enter Damascus if it wants, but it hasn’t. Because it doesn’t need to. HTS is already there, so Israel is already inside Damascus. A structure has been formed in line with Israel’s policies in Damascus. Colani declared “I will eliminate Iranian forces”.
What is Türkiye doing? Türkiye is trying to steal the show from HTS. There’s a perception that Türkiye has led the “Syrian revolution”. Türkiye endured the hardships of the revolution, but the takfiri groups enjoyed the rewards. Now Türkiye’s security policy could collapse in a scenario where both PKK and HTS are drawing new borders.
Takfiri groups
How do you view the upcoming process?
The Syrian revolution attempt has failed. Damascus was handed over to takfiri terrorist groups. That isn’t the revolution that the legitimate opposition wanted to make. Those who claim the opposite are being deceived. The takfiri terrorist organizations manipulated the legitimate demands of the Syrian people and took over the government. This is a betrayal of the Syrian and Turkish peoples. This process may even lead to the division of Türkiye.
In fact, this is the plan. A fake hero has been created in Syria by the CIA. This hero will become a trouble for Türkiye.
Opposition or terrorism?
Who are the “Syrian opposition”?
HTS shouldn’t be included in the term “opposition”. Is the PKK “opposition” in Türkiye? No, it’s a terrorist organization. The opposition in Syria is the SNA. Without doubt, just because its opposition doesn’t mean it’s always right. But that’s a separate issue.
Most probably Colani will dissolve HTS. He will create a complex structure in the state. At that point, the SNA will be absorbed into this new structure and will dissolve. Türkiye will be left with just the “appearance” of the SNA.
In conditions where Türkiye intervenes in the region, it is inevitable that it will come into conflict with HTS. When that day comes and HTS fires at the Turkish soldiers, I wonder how the media, which today praises Colani, will report it.
How do you foresee Russia’s future in Syria?
Russia cannot shift focus to Syria until the war in Ukraine is over. However, I believe that war will end soon. Then Wagner groups might reengage in Syria. Russia is now trying to buy time.
Türkiye needs to make a decision. Türkiye will either continue with the HTS government, or it will work with Russia and Iran to eliminate what it has been describing as a terrorist organization.