Mazloum Abdi says Syrian government tries to control AANES areas
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, said on Monday that they have uncovered plans by the Syrian government aimed at controlling the areas of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
Abdi said, in an interview with al-Arabiya al-Hadath, that the US movements in those areas were carried out under the SDF supervision.
There were armed groups supported by the “Syrian regime” that had entered the AANES-held areas from west of the Euphrates River, according to the commander.
He further explained that the US had called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, and held extensive meetings with the SDF, noting that the US-led Global Coalition had provided air support to the SDF against militants in Deir ez-Zor.
This came following a military operation called “Security Reinforcement” launched by the SDF against Islamic State (ISIS) cells in Deir ez-Zor. The SDF later announced the dismissal of commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement in crimes and violations.
The operation led to the eruption of clashes between the SDF and gunmen affiliated with the dismissed leader and with Nawaf al-Bashir, leader of al-Baggara tribe and a pro-Iranian figure whose groups are active in the western bank of the Euphrates which is under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias. Several external parties took advantage of the situation and viewed that clashes erupted between the SDF and Arab tribes, which the SDF denied.
During the interview, Abdi mentioned that they had maintained communication with tribal leaders in Deir ez-Zor during the crisis, and they were interested in a peaceful resolution. He also emphasized that the Arab tribes in the AANES-held areas “do not want the return of the Syrian regime.”
Abdi revealed that information had reached the SDF indicating that the US troops were not interested in conducting a military operation at the border.
The SDF commander in chief also pointed out that Turkey had deployed armed groups to attack the SDF in Manbij, northern Syria. As a result, the government forces present on the outskirts of Manbij had withdrawn from those areas.
On Sept. 2, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS – formerly al-Nusra Front) sent 75 militants to Manbij. The militants belong to the Red Bands faction, affiliated with the HTS.