"The attacks on Ain Issa are part of an agreement between Russia and Turkey," Galu Issa, the member of the Central Committee of the Syrian Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP.S), told KurdPress.
He continued: "Russia wants to put pressure on Syrian Kurdistan through Turkey to make the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to hand over Ain Issa and other areas to the Syrian central government."
"Maintaining the achievements of the self-government system (in Syrian Kurdistan or Rojava) is a fundamental issue for us and the SDF will not hand over Ain Issa or other areas to the central government," the official added in the interview with KurdPress.
"Russia and Turkey want to take action and capture Ain Issa before the new US president takes office," Mr. Issa said, referring to the parties' intention to attack the Syrian Kurdish city.
"Earlier, an agreement was reached between the United States and Turkey, as well as between Russia and Turkey, so that the Turks would not cross the Aleppo-M4 international road, but what is clear is that Turkey attacked in Russian silence and the green light of the Russians," he said.
He noted that in the days leading up to the attack, Turkish-backed extremist groups had been unable to take a single step and that a number of them were being killed every day. The Syrian Democratic Forces did not allow them to advance.
"These areas are meaningless and play no role. Russia has resorted to inappropriate means to achieve its demands," Mr. Issa said about Russian watchtowers in the city.
Reporter's code: 50101