The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have continued to dig trenches and tunnels in the areas under its control in northeastern Syria for more than three years now, aiming to connect its military posts located along the demarcation lines with the areas held by the Turkish-backed opposition. The digging comes amid concerns over a military operation by the opposition.

The tunnel network stretches from al-Darbasiyah to al-Malikiyah (Derek). Work is conducted by civilians who receive a daily wage of $3 to $5 without medical insurance, as the SDF exploits the poverty and lack of job opportunities in the area. The workers are banned from carrying their mobile phones or wearing watches or any other device to which a tracking device could be connected.

A Kurdish military source who declined to be named told Al-Monitor, “The tunnels are 3 meters [10 feet] deep, with rooms built of reinforced concrete structure every kilometer [0.6 miles]. The construction materials are secured from the US coming from Iraq in supply convoys, provided under the pretext of supporting the development of military bases and countering the Islamic State. All [SDF] military posts are connected through the tunnels, some of which serve for military supply purposes, weapons warehouses, field hospitals and command centers. Kurdish leading figures from Iraq and Turkey are present at headquarters overseeing the tunnels, which makes it easy for them to exit in case of an attack.”

The source added, “The tunnel map includes vital areas in the northern countryside of Hasakah, specifically the northern neighborhoods of Qamishli, and the surrounding areas of Amuda, al-Darbasiyah, al-Malikiyah and Rmelan. The tunnels are passing under these cities and areas to protect them from any potential attack. The plan is to include all areas under our control on the map. Despite the ongoing US promises that these cities would be shielded from any Turkish threats, past experiences have taught us that US promises do not always lead to military victories. The tunnels had achieved their strategic goal in previous battles against the Turkish side, until the [October 2019] agreement was concluded requiring that the Kurdish factions withdraw from the so-called ‘Peace Spring’ areas. We are currently trying to complete the tunnels project in the north of Ain Issa, in the northwestern countryside of Raqqa, fearing any upcoming clashes with the Turkish forces. The area could become a battlefield with Ankara, which wants to connect areas under its control in the north of Raqqa with Manbij in the eastern Aleppo countryside. Such an offensive would isolate and pose a threat to the city of Ayn al-Arab.”