Syrian Kurds say Ocalan’s message 'has nothing to do with us'

Since 2012, Syrian Kurds have been able to carve out a semi-autonomous region in northeast Syria, which they refer to as Rojava, meaning Western Kurdistan.

Turkey has repeatedly targeted the region, saying the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the official military wing of Rojava, is an offshoot of the PKK, an armed group that has been fighting the Turkish state since 1984. The SDF denies links to the PKK.

“there will be no need for weapons if attacks against the Kurds come to an end.”

“SDF officials interviewed by RIC say paths such as simply laying down their weapons are impossible due to the current threats facing northeast Syria - primarily attacks from Turkey and the Turkish-backed SNA.”

“Ocalan’s message concerns the PKK and has nothing to do with us in Syria.”

“there will be no justification for Turkey’s attacks on us in Syria”.

Local Kurdish media reports that attacks by Turkish-backed groups have so far not stopped, with shelling targeting the countryside surrounding the Kurdish-majority city of Kobani.