U.S. can resolve crisis with Turkey – Mazloum Abdi
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – The United States has the capability to resolve the ongoing crisis with Turkey if it chooses to act decisively, General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on Sunday.
In an interview broadcast on Al Arabiya, General Abdi revealed that U.S. forces are currently mediating to establish a permanent ceasefire with Turkey in northern Syria.
Abdi accused Turkey of pursuing territorial expansion in northeastern Syria, stating, “Turkey seems intent on occupying Kobani to consolidate its control over the region.” Despite this, the SDF has sought dialogue to address the conflict but has faced resistance from Ankara.
Dismissing allegations of ties with Iran, General Abdi clarified, “We have no relations with Iran and do not possess Iranian weapons, contrary to some claims. Iran has been a part of the crisis in Syria.”
Regarding his recent meeting with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, Abdi confirmed that he requested Barzani’s mediation to de-escalate tensions with Turkey.
On the possibility of surrendering weapons to the new Syrian administration, Abdi emphasized that the SDF has yet to decide, stressing that a new Syrian constitution must guarantee Kurdish rights.
He expressed support for the continued presence of U.S. forces in Syria, highlighting their importance in fostering dialogue and advocating for the reactivation of sanctions against Turkey.
Commenting on the leadership of a potential new Syrian administration, Abdi praised statements made by Ahmad al-Sharaa, describing them as positive, but urged the translation of these words into concrete actions.
Abdi also noted that the SDF was not invited to Sharaa’s recent meeting with military factions, asserting that the outcomes of the meeting are irrelevant to them. He reiterated the SDF’s proposal to form a joint military committee to study the integration of various factions into a unified structure.