SDF Announces Defeat of ISIS East of Euphrates

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader Sabban Hamo said on Saturday that ISIS has been driven out of areas lying on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.

In the official announcement on the liberation of the eastern bank of the Euphrates, the SDF, formed mostly from Kurdish units, said it has secured most of the economically valuable parts of Syria.

Territory under SDF control includes oil and gas wells and factories, water sources, three dams and large tracts of agricultural land.

If these areas were added to Afrin, the Kurdish-controlled district north of Aleppo, they would control 23 percent of Syria's 185,000 square kilometers.

Hamo said the leaders of "democratic Syria" told US officials, including presidential envoy Brett McGurk, that Washington’s influence must "stay until the political transition in Syria is achieved and a new political order is reached."

Western diplomats said US Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield asked the opposition’s negotiating delegation in Geneva a few days ago about how to include the Kurdish SDF units in the political process.

"I have not seen any change or wavering in American support for our forces," Hamo said on US backing of SDF units.

He pointed out that there are five US military bases, two of which are found in Kobani (Ain Arab), one in al-Shadadi, one in al-Hasakah and one in al-Malikiyah.

Ankara is meanwhile seeking Russian cover for a military operation in the Afrin countryside, where the Russian army is based.

"We pose no threat to Turkey, but we will defend our territory against any attack from any party," Hamo said.

"If we are attacked, our response will be fierce and cruel."

This is good news. And it explains why the SDF conquest against ISIS is so vitally important to the future of Syria.

Peace for Syria will not "just" involve Damascus.

May the outcome surprise the world and allow rebuilding and an end to the extreme oppression.

Great accomplishment for the SDF - now the focus shifts to improving their positions and starting reconstruction.

There is a little more clearing to do, but there are many potential attacks to prepare to defend against - ISIS, Turkish, and now, Iranian-sponsored.

The political settlement will no doubt be a tough bargain, filled with intrigue. The huge change in Saudi Arabia opens the doors to new realignments, that no one would have predicted two months ago.

Political settlement might not come quickly, if at all, so the reality on the ground that the SDF builds in their areas would become relatively more important over time - security, prosperity and good local relations.

Yes, indeed a great accomplishment. And we helped them do it. Now the issue is helping them keep it and succeed.

If Russia and US can maintain the pressure on the Turks and Iranians it might just be possible to cement it back together. The UN has no intentions of doing anything for the Kurds.

I spent part of the afternoon reading an ANF News article from perspective of a Rojava Kurd leader about the cooperation with the US and their own ambitions.

Has some language issue but reveals some of the thought behind their concept of Confederalism. (Ocalan’s idea)

I’m not comfortable posting the article here yet, from standpoint of inciting rock throwers.

The Saudi offer of financial support might sway some, but many Syrians have a very bad view of SA.

Totally wrong. SDF has NEVER done anything but Kill ISIS.

Some of the Arabs released some local conscripts. None of the foreign fighters were released. Contrary to a BBC article that was pure Turkish Propaganda.

I think the SDF and Assad can come to terms. If Russia continues to apply pressure about treatment of Syrian Kurds and the SDF. I believe they will.

The US must also apply whatever pressure we are still capable of with Turkey. And maintain the threat of action against Iranian takeover.

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