Turkey has worsened the Syrian crisis by supporting Islamist mercenary groups and conducting military attacks on North and East Syria (Rojava), Mazlum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said, on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the Rojava Revolution. During an interview with Hawar News, Abdi stated that while the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) is open to dialogue with Turkey, a key condition is withdrawal of Turkish troops from occupied territories. He also analysed recent developments regarding possible talks between Turkey and Syria.
Mazlum Abdi highlighted the significance of the Rojava Revolution, describing it as the first instance where a region in Syria began to govern itself independently, diverging from a history of external control. He noted that prior to the Kurdish liberation of their territories from Turkish-backed ISIS mercenaries, they were manipulated as pawns by the Syrian regime and foreign powers, including the UK and the US.
Abdi explained that the revolution faced constant attacks but survived due to unity among Kurdish, Arab, Christian, and Assyrian communities, which effectively defended it against the Turkish state and ISIS. He criticised Turkey for its ongoing military assaults on the autonomous regions in North and East Syria and accused the Syrian regime of conducting indirect attacks through “mischief and deception”.
In his comments on recent developments regarding potential talks between Turkey and Syria, Abdi asserted that Turkey has exacerbated the Syrian crisis by supporting Islamist mercenary groups in northern Syria. He acknowledged the possibility of an agreement between Turkey and Syria but pointed out that their goals differ, particularly with Syria demanding the removal of Turkish-backed mercenaries from northern Syria.
Abdi made it clear that the AANES is open to dialogue but has specific conditions. He emphasised that the Syrian crisis will not be resolved through conflict but through negotiation. A primary condition for the AANES to engage in dialogue with Turkey is the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the occupied territories in northern Syria. Abdi also stressed that Turkey must recognise that after 12 years of conflict, killing, and occupation, such issues cannot be resolved through continued aggression.
He concluded by addressing the ongoing embargo on North and East Syria, stating that despite the restrictions, the AANES has made significant progress in building institutions that serve the people. Abdi expressed optimism that, despite the challenges, continued collaborative efforts will lead to meaningful progress this year and beyond.
