SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi: Relations With Central Government To Shape Post-Assad Syria

By Kardo Roj

HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced Tuesday that the SDF seeks direct relations with the new central government in Damascus following the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The statement comes amid intensified military and political developments across Syria, where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkey-backed opposition factions now hold sway in the capital.

Speaking to Al-Hadath, Abdi said, “Our relationship will now be directly with the central government in Damascus. It is imperative that all regions and communities are represented through a dialogue-based process.”

A Changing Political Landscape

Sunday’s collapse of the Assad regime triggered an unprecedented shift in Syria’s political structure. Abdi underscored that the SDF’s focus remains on stabilizing territories and addressing emerging security concerns.

“The SDF’s recent movements were geared towards combating the Islamic State (ISIS) and ensuring regional security. The challenges in places like Raqqa must be resolved through negotiation,” he said.

Abdi acknowledged that the SDF had no alliances with Assad’s government, stating, “We were among the forces most frequently clashing with the former regime. However, this new era demands cooperative and inclusive governance.”

Engagement With Regional and International Actors

Highlighting the complex international involvement in Syria, Abdi revealed that the SDF is engaging with Turkey and HTS through U.S. intermediaries to manage rising tensions.

He also expressed openness to collaborating with the newly established authorities in Damascus to ensure the SDF’s participation in Syria’s political evolution.

“Syria is entering an unexpected phase. The roles of international actors in Syria have shifted, creating opportunities and challenges alike,” Abdi remarked.

Commitment to Dialogue and Stability

The SDF’s readiness to engage directly with the central government aligns with its broader objective of ensuring stability in northeastern Syria. Abdi stressed the importance of addressing issues through peaceful means while protecting the rights of all Syrian communities.

The SDF’s role as a stabilizing force in the region remains critical, especially as Syria navigates this volatile transition.

Additional Reporting by Saad Al-Yazijy