Airstrikes on Kobani plot for foreign presence in Syria: Iran commander

A high-ranking Iranian military commander says the US-led airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria are part of a “show” aimed at paving the way for foreign military presence in the Arab country.

“There is premonition of conspiracy to victimize the people of [Syria’s Kurdish town of] Kobani in order to create a bridgehead for the military presence of the coalition in Syria,” Iranian Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said on Saturday.

He expressed deep concern over a possible massacre in Kobani, saying such a thing would amount to a “criminal tragedy.”

The Iranian commander also lashed out at the US for its “selective” airstrikes against ISIL terrorists, saying the raids have contributed to the militants’ advances in Iraq and Syria.

The Iranian commander underlined the need to help the people of Kobani in their fight against ISIL, implicitly criticizing the Turkish government for refusing to let Kurdish fighters cross the border into Syria to join the anti-ISIL battle.

He also called on the international community, particularly Muslim countries, to condemn the ISIL attacks in Kobani.

The Iranian commander’s remarks come as Kurdish militants continue defending the town of Kobani against ISIL militants.

On Friday, the United Nations’ envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, warned that thousands of people “will most likely be massacred” if Kobani falls into the hands of ISIL militants. He also urged Turkey to allow Kurdish volunteers to cross border into Syria to defend Kobani against the ISIL terrorists.

Turkey has called for the creation of a no-fly zone over its border with Syria as the United States and its allies continue airstrikes against the ISIL terrorist group in Syria.

Iran has cast doubt on the sincerity of the US-led attacks against ISIL targets, saying Washington has an ax to grind in the so-called anti-terror battle.