Media: US officials warn of potential Turkish offensive along Syrian border

Senior US officials have expressed concern over the growing military presence along the Turkish-Syrian border, warning that Ankara may be preparing for a large-scale offensive against Syrian Kurdish forces.

The build-up, which includes Turkish commandos, militia fighters, and artillery, is concentrated around Kobani, a Kurdish-majority city in northern Syria, close to the Turkish frontier, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

US officials have suggested that a Turkish cross-border operation could be imminent.

This military activity follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in early December and mirrors Türkiye's 2019 invasion of northeast Syria. One US official said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and urging restraint.”

Ilham Ahmed, a senior member of the Syrian Kurdish civilian administration, warned that a Turkish operation was likely and called on President-elect Donald Trump to urge Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to avoid crossing the border.

In a letter to Trump, Ahmed accused Türkiye of seeking to “establish de facto control” over Kurdish-controlled areas before the new administration takes office. She also cautioned that an invasion would have catastrophic consequences for the region.

A Turkish embassy spokesperson in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

The escalation has left the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been working with US troops to combat Islamic State remnants in northeastern Syria, in a vulnerable position. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Türkiye last week to discuss the situation, seeking assurances from Erdoğan to limit military actions against Kurdish forces.

However, a ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Kurds and Turkish-backed rebels in Kobani collapsed on December 16, leaving the region on edge. The SDF reported “significant military buildups” around Kobani, particularly to the east and west of the city.

“We can already see Turkish forces gathering across the border, and our civilians live under constant fear of imminent death and destruction,” Ahmed wrote in her letter to Trump.

The uncertain future of Syria, following the fall of Assad to rebel groups, has reignited tensions between Syrian Kurds and Turkish-backed forces. Türkiye has increased operations against the SDF, which it links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a banned separatist group.

Trump, in remarks on December 16, suggested that Türkiye may have facilitated the takeover of Syria by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group formerly associated with al-Qaeda.

A Turkish invasion of Kobani could displace over 200,000 Kurdish civilians and many Christians, Ahmed warned, highlighting the region's vulnerability in the lead-up to the Biden administration’s transition.

During his first term, Trump partially withdrew US forces from northeastern Syria, a decision that paved the way for Türkiye's 2019 invasion, leading to widespread casualties and displacement. The ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration resulted in the Kurds conceding territory along the Turkish-Syrian border.

Ahmed urged Trump to use his "unique approach to diplomacy" to persuade Erdoğan to halt any military action.

She reminded Trump of a previous promise to ensure US support for the Kurds, stating, “Your decisive leadership can stop this invasion and preserve the dignity and safety of those who have remained steadfast allies in the fight for peace and security.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev