Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated that his forces have withdrawn to predominantly Kurdish areas in order to protect them, while attacks by Syrian government forces continue against these regions. He called on the International Coalition to intervene and protect detention facilities holding ISIS mercenaries and their families, and reiterated his call for dialogue.
Speaking to the Rojava-based ANHA agency, Abdi said that the SDF are repelling brutal attacks targeting Kurdish civilians across various areas of Rojava, expressing his appreciation for the resistance put up by local residents and fighters in confronting these assaults.
Abdi noted a significant escalation in attacks against detention facilities holding ISIS mercenaries and their families in al-Shaddadi and al-Hol camp. He explained that al-Hol camp has been subjected since last evening to multiple attempts to storm and seize control of it, forcing camp guards to withdraw after fierce clashes involving armored vehicles and tanks.
He added that factions affiliated with the Syrian government continue their attacks on the city of Heseke and its countryside, as well as on Kobani, despite all the initiatives launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces over the past two weeks to establish a ceasefire. Abdi emphasized that SDF have withdrawn to areas with a Kurdish majority, while remaining committed to protecting these areas and their residents as a “red line.”
Abdi further stated that al-Aqtan Prison in the city of Raqqa, which is still being guarded by SDF fighters, is under heavy attack with rocket launchers and artillery, with repeated attempts to storm the facility. He warned that this places prison guards at serious risk and threatens the possibility of prisoner escapes.
The SDF Commander-in-Chief called on partners in the International Coalition to assume their responsibilities in protecting ISIS detention facilities, stressing the need for the Syrian government to halt its attacks and return to the negotiating table.
Abdi also appealed to the Kurdish people worldwide and to friends of the region to rally around the resistance of SDF fighters to ensure the protection of civilians and the continuation of defensive efforts.