SDF commander says agreement with Syrian government halts war
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), General Mazloum Abdi, said on Friday that a newly signed agreement with the Syrian government has brought an end to armed confrontation and will protect what he described as the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people.
In statements to the Kurdish Ronahi TV channel, Abdi said, “We signed an agreement today after a phone call I conducted with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and we announced it to the Syrian people.” He added that the agreement marks a shift toward practical implementation on the ground.
According to Abdi, a limited force from Syria’s Internal Security will enter the security squares in Hasakah and Qamishli as part of the initial steps to implement the integration agreement. He stressed that local security forces would continue to carry out their duties in maintaining security within Kurdish areas.
“The local security forces will carry out their tasks in maintaining security inside the Kurdish regions, and we are continuously working to integrate them into the Syrian Ministry of Interior,” Abdi said.
He also stated that local employees and residents in Kurdish-majority areas, including Kobani and the Jazira region, would continue to administer their areas themselves, reflecting existing local governance structures.
Abdi noted that the agreement is set to enter practical implementation on February 2. Under its terms, SDF forces and Syrian government forces will withdraw from contact lines in Kobani and the Jazira, reducing the risk of renewed clashes.
He said the agreement has received international backing, noting that “international forces welcomed the agreement between us and the Syrian state and are guaranteeing it,” including a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Ahmad al-Sharaa, without providing further details.
Abdi also confirmed that communication with Damascus has extended to humanitarian files, stating that discussions were held with President al-Sharaa regarding the issue of abductees, detainees, and missing persons.
Addressing his personal role, Abdi said he would not assume any government position. “I will not take on any governmental post. I will remain among the Kurds and by their side, and I will work on forming a political reference for the Kurds in Syria,” he said.