In an interview with Aryen TV, Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), made a comprehensive assessment regarding the growing ISIS threat, ongoing dialogue with the Damascus government, integration talks within the framework of the March 10 Agreement, the return of displaced persons, and the future of the SDF.
There has been no significant progress
Abdi stated that there has not yet been a fundamental change in mentality in Syria as the centralist approach inherited from the Baath regime continues: “There is still a desire for Syria to be ruled by a single group. The problems of the Druze have not been resolved, and massacres have taken place in areas where Alawites live. Talks are being held, but there has been no significant progress.”
Some groups are taking an aggressive stance against the SDF
Pointing out that there are groups within the Damascus administration that do not want a solution, Abdi emphasized that structures that had previously worked with Turkey and invaded areas such as Afrin and Azaz sabotaged the process. He said that these groups had been made part of the state but were taking an aggressive stance against the SDF.
Ceasefire is the most important achievement of the agreement
Referring to discussions about the finalization of the March 10 Agreement by the end of the year, Abdi stated that this did not mean a definite deadline. He pointed out that the most important achievement of the agreement was the ceasefire, saying, “The ceasefire is still in place, and this is very important for the Syrian people. Dialogue is possible in an environment without war.”
Talks with the Damascus government are ongoing
Stating that dialogue with the Damascus government continues uninterrupted, Abdi said that talks are ongoing at both the lower and upper levels, with the US military and the US State Department also involved in the process. He noted that talks have slowed down at times but have not completely broken off.
Not a liquidation but a joint construction process
Speaking about the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army, Abdi said that this should not be a liquidation but a joint construction process. “The SDF is a strong army. We want to establish a new army for Syria together within the Ministry of Defense. The SDF should play an important role in this structure,” he said and emphasized that the Damascus administration must change due to its international obligations.
Women’s gains are a red line for us
Abdi placed special emphasis on the status of the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ), saying that the militarization of women played a decisive role in the fight against ISIS and in the social sphere. Noting that the SDF’s proposal was for the YPJ to be organized as an autonomous brigade within the Syrian army, Abdi said, “If this is not accepted, integration will be difficult. Women’s gains are a red line for us.”
ISIS still poses a serious threat
Abdi said last week’s attack on US soldiers in Palmyra showed that ISIS still posed a serious threat. Noting that ISIS had reorganized, particularly west of the Euphrates, he said they had proposed the establishment of a joint military force against ISIS in coordination with the SDF, the Damascus government, and the international coalition.
Special plan for the return of the displaced populations
Abdi stated that they have prepared a special plan for the return of the displaced populations from Afrin, Girê Spî, and Serêkaniyê, adding that this process requires the approval of Turkey, the cooperation of the Damascus administration, and international powers. He expressed hope that the returns would take place gradually and in an orderly manner.
Coordination regarding ISIS members at Hol Camp continues
Abdi stated that the cases of half of the ISIS members at Hol Camp had been resolved and that coordination with the Damascus administration and Iraq continued for the remainder. He said that the issue of foreign ISIS members would take time, depending on the stance of the relevant countries.
We will achieve significant successes in the coming year
In his assessment of the new year, Abdi drew attention to discussions about the future of the SDF, stating: “2026 will be a new beginning for us. We have our efforts, and we will implement them. We will achieve significant successes in the coming year.”