Mazloum Abdi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has expressed support for de-escalation with Turkey and other parties involved in the Syrian conflict and urged an end to the occupation of Kurdish-majority areas.
Speaking at a tribal forum in Hasakah (Hesekê), northeast Syria on Saturday, Abdi emphasised the need for regional stability and the return of displaced communities to their original homes in Afrin (Efrîn), Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê) and Tell Abyad (Girê Spî) .
Abdi highlighted the ongoing issues in these Kurdish-majority areas, which have been under Turkish occupation since 2018-2019, leading to the forced displacement of the native population. “The people of Afrin, Ras al-Ayn and Tell Abyad need to return to their areas, and the Turkish occupation of these areas must come to an end,” he said.
The forum, titled “Dialogue, Safety, Construction for Unified Decentralised Syria,” brought together approximately 5,000 participants, including representatives from all Syrian tribes, Christian leaders and tribal sheikhs. Abdi’s remarks emphasised the importance of acknowledging the current situation in northeast Syria as pivotal to resolving the broader Syrian conflict.
Reaffirming the SDF’s commitment to their partnership with the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Abdi confirmed this would continue, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in ensuring regional security and combating extremism.
Co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council Mahmoud al-Meslet, also spoke at the tribal forum in Hasakah on Saturday, advocating for a peaceful and democratic transition in Syria. Al-Meslet emphasised the need for a decentralised and democratic framework for Syria, underlining the importance of national unity and calling for Arab countries and allies to support Syria in overcoming its current challenges. He highlighted the role of tribes as a stabilising force within the country, urging them to actively participate in shaping Syria’s future through intra-Syrian dialogue.