HATAY: The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Thursday a new offensive threatened by Turkey in northern Syria would create a humanitarian crisis and undermine its campaign against the militant Islamic State group.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi called on all sides to “prevent any new tragedies and support de-escalation”, warning that a new assault would fuel yet more displacement in Syria’s 11-year-long conflict.

Turkey, which has mounted four operations in northern Syria since 2016, has vowed a new offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia, the spearhead of the SDF, which controls swathes of territory at the Turkish border.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2022