UPDATE - Syrian tribal chief hails Turkish anti-terror efforts

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT OF SUPPORT BY BEKARA TRIBE

By Cem Genco and Mohamed Misto

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - Ismail al-Assani, head of Syria’s Supreme Tribal Council, says the Syrian people support Turkey and appreciate it for rescuing them from the YPG/PKK terrorist group, which, he said, had tyrannized the region for years.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, al-Assani, who currently lives in the Reyhanli district of Turkey’s southern Hatay province, commented on YPG/PKK terrorism in Syria’s northern city of Manbij.

“The Turkish military presence in Manbij will bring peace and prosperity to the region,” he said.

Noting that he had been forced to live with the constant threat of terrorism for years, al-Assani said: “The people of Manbij long for peace and, God willing, Turkish soldiers will bring it.”

“We believe that the Turkish [military] presence will play a major role in expelling the YPG/PKK from Manbij,” he added.

Al-Assani went on to say that the Arab tribes of the region were eagerly waiting for the Turkish army to liberate the city.

“The tribes support the Turkish army, whose activities will allow us to surmount the difficulties we have faced for years,” he said.

“We are ready to offer any needed assistance. We have been pleased by the diplomatic efforts Turkey has exerted for the people of Manbij,” he added.

He also voiced thanks to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- and to the Turkish people -- for Turkey’s continued efforts against the YPG/PKK.

According to al-Assani, many displaced local people would return to their homes once the terrorist group is purged from the region.

“Manbij is of high importance for us. We have lost many of our relatives to terrorism and thousands of our people have been forced to flee their homes,” he said.

“God willing, we will return to the good old days with the help of the Turks,” he added. “I would like to thank them for embracing the Syrian people -- you are our brothers.”

On Monday, the Turkish and U.S. militaries began conducting patrols in Manbij in line with an agreed-upon roadmap for eliminating the terrorist presence and stabilizing the area.

The roadmap, which calls for the withdrawal of the YPG/PKK from Manbij, was unveiled after a June 4 meeting in Washington between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The Bekara, a prominent tribe in Manbij, has also declared its support for the Turkish military presence in Manbij and has called on Ankara to press the U.S. to implement the agreement without undue delay.

In a Wednesday statement, the tribe asserted that Turkish military intervention in the region would serve to “ensure stability, protect civilians and help rebuild damaged infrastructure”.

Home to a number of major tribes, Manbij is composed mainly -- roughly 90 percent -- of Arabs.

*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story from Ankara