Barzani Warns Against 'Ethnic Conflict,' Signals Possible Peshmerga Support to Protect Kobane

Peregraf - Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), has warned that the situation in Kobane must not devolve into an ethnic conflict between Kurds and Arabs in Syria, characterizing any such escalation as a "catastrophe."

Speaking to the media during a visit to Italy, Barzani addressed the volatile situation in Rojava (Northern Syria), emphasizing that "aggression against Kurds" is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Barzani disclosed that at the beginning of the recent battle for Aleppo, he sent a message to the Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa via an intermediary. "I told him that conflicts between political forces must be resolved, but aggression against Kurds is absolutely unacceptable," Barzani stated.

Reaffirming his historical opposition to armed conflict, Barzani noted, "I have never believed in war and we do not want it to reach that point." However, he issued a clear caution that if Kurds are targeted or oppressed, "then we are ready for anything."

Regarding the status of Kobane, Barzani expressed his intention to do everything possible to prevent further escalation. "If the same opportunity that existed in 2014 were available today, I would have sent Peshmerga to Kobane," he stated. He added that Kobane is an integral part of the Kurdish regions and noted there is an understanding that the city "should not be touched."

Barzani also highlighted the resurgent threat of ISIS, stating that the current instability in Syria has presented a "golden opportunity" for the group. He noted that a significant number of ISIS prisoners have escaped, though the exact figures remain unconfirmed, raising serious concerns regarding renewed violence and regional insecurity.