- Title: 'This land is for us' - Syrians optimistic about Kurdish fighters leaving north
- Date: 22nd October 2019
- Summary: TEL ABYAD, SYRIA (OCTOBER 22, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF MOTORISTS DRIVING THROUGH THE TOWN CIVILIANS STANDING NEXT TO VARIOUS ITEMS BEING SOLD ON THE PAVEMENT (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FIELD MEMBER IN NATIONAL ARMY, JAAFAR JUNAID, SAYING: "If God is willing, it is only a matter of hours until the period that has been defined between us and the separatist militias will come to an end. If they were not willing to withdraw, they will be forced to leave, if God is willing, against their will, and the will of the regime whether they co-operated with him (the regime) or the Russians. We have the right in this land, and we have our rights and this land is for us and we will retrieve it, if God is willing." VARIOUS OF MOTORISTS DRIVING THROUGH THE TOWN PEOPLE WALKING THROUGH THE TOWN (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CIVILIAN, MOTASEM, SAYING: "If God is willing, the truce will come to an end and all the areas will be liberated and we will walk freely and get rid of all of these separatist projects and the parties. If God is willing, and with the efforts of the Free Syrian Army and the National Army, our morale will be high and we will walk in these lands freely." VARIOUS OF MAN SELLING PETROL PEOPLE RIDING MOTORBIKES IN THE STREET (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CIVILIAN, AHMAD AL SIN, SAYING: "Thanks to God and we want to thank our brothers, the National Army, who contributed to liberating the city of Tel Abyad. If God is willing, the truce will come to an end and all the areas that are under the map of Peace Spring (Turkish military operation) will be liberated. We will resume walking freely and all the services including bread, water and electricity will be available." VARIOUS OF MOTORISTS DRIVING THROUGH THE TOWN WOMAN WALKING CARRYING SHOPPING BAGS THROUGH THE TOWN
- Embargoed: 5th November 2019 11:34
- Keywords: Syria Assad Syrian Army troops Idlib Turkey northeast Syria U.S
- Location: TEL ABYAD, SYRIA
- City: TEL ABYAD, SYRIA
- Country: Syria
- Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace,Military Conflicts
- Reuters ID: LVA001B26IYBR
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Syrian civilians and fighters voiced their confidence in having northern Syria out of Kurdish fighters' control on Tuesday (October 22).
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan agreed on Thursday (October 17) in talks with the U.S. to a five-day pause in the offensive to allow time for the Kurdish fighters to withdraw. The truce is due to end at 10pm (1900 GMT) on Tuesday.
In interviews with Reuters, Syrians expressed optimism that the so-called National Army (FSA) and Turkish-backed rebels will be able to drive Kurdish forces out of these areas.
Erdogan said on Tuesday that Kurdish fighters remain near to Syria's northeast border despite the truce and they could resume its offensive in the area when the ceasefire expires.
Turkey wants Kurdish fighters, which it views as terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants waging an insurgency in southeast Turkey, to leave a "safe zone" it wants to establish inside Syria near the Turkish border.
(Production: Mahmoud Hassano, Muath Freij, Marissa Davison) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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