The deputies said that "the Turkish invasion represents a clear and significant risk of an ISIS resurgence, fuelled by the escape of many of those previously captured to join the cells still operating across the region. Former US officials familiar with the security situation in Northern Syria have explained this threat at length."

 

The full letter is as follows:

 

"We write to urgently express our concern at President Trump’s decision to withdraw US forces from North Eastern Syria, allowing for a Turkish invasion, which has now begun.

 

As you will be aware, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have played the leading role on the ground in the defeat of ISIS, bringing an end to their so-called ‘Caliphate’.

 

This fight took a heavy toll on the SDF, who lost over 11,000 men and women, with over 22,000 more wounded.

 

They led this fight willingly, largely at the urging of the United States and often making strategic decisions not in their own interests but rather for the greater good of global peace and stability.

 

Out of the chaos that has consumed Syria for almost ten years, Kurdish forces in North Eastern Syria have not only liberated millions from extremism and tyranny but have in its place established a system of secular and democratic governance, one which is all the more remarkable for its commitment to women’s participation at every level.

 

In recent days the US-led Combined Joint Task Force – Inherent Resolve, compelled the SDF to demolish defensive fortifications along the Turkish-Syria border.

 

This action was conducted on the understanding that it would address Turkish security concerns and that US efforts would continue to guarantee the safety of the people of North Eastern Syria from potential Turkish military action.

 

To follow this with the immediate withdrawal of US forces and American consent for a Turkish invasion is nothing other than a gross act of betrayal and is deeply dishonourable.

 

Turkey’s 2018 invasion of the Kurdish enclave of Afrin, North Western Syria in 2018 shows us precisely what President Erdogan has planned for the North East; ethnic cleansing, extensive bombing of civilian areas, the use of proxy forces including former ISIS fighters & other extremists and the destruction of any form of democratic governance.

 

We cannot allow this to happen to the North East, which is currently home to over 2 million Syrians. The SDF currently hold tens of thousands of former ISIS fighters and activists in detention.

 

The Turkish invasion represents a clear and significant risk of an ISIS resurgence, fuelled by the escape of many of those previously captured to join the cells still operating across the region. Former US officials familiar with the security situation in Northern Syria have explained this threat at length.

 

We ask that you convey to your government our strong objections to this betrayal of our Kurdish allies. The decision should be reversed immediately and appropriate action taken against Turkey to prevent further loss of life and destabilisation in the region."

 

The signatories MPs are:

 

Ross Greer MSP

 

Ruth Maguire MSP

 

Clare Adamson MSP

 

Bob Doris MSP

 

Alison Johnstone MSP

 

Linda Fabiani MSP

 

John Finnie MSP

 

Lewis Macdonald MSP

 

Angus Macdonald MSP

 

Fulton Macgregor MSP

 

Gillian Martin MSP

 

Kenneth Gibson MSP

 

Rona Mackay MSP

 

Sandra White MSP

 

Colin Beattie MSP

 

Christine Graham MSP

 

Alex Rowley MSP

 

Joan McApline MSP

 

Patrick Harvie MSP

 

Pauline McNeil MSP

 

Bill Kidd MSP

 

Gil Paterson MSP

 

Neil Findlay MSP

 

Alex Rowley MSP

 

Andy Wightman MSP

 

Claire Baker MSP

 

Willie Rennie MSP

 

James Dornan MSP

 

Emma Harper MSP

 

Liam McArthur MSP

 

Maureen Watt MSP

 

Stuart McMillan MSP

 

Richard Leonard MSP

 

Mark Ruskell MSP