General Command of SDF: We will protect all region's people

The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces organized a press conference in the city of Hasaka, attended by the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, and the commander of the Women's Protection Units, Rohelat Afrin.

Mazloum Abdi explained that there is activity by ISIS mercenaries in the desert: "We reassure our people in Raqqa, Tabqa, and Deir ez-Zor that the Syrian Democratic Forces are ready to protect all the people of the region, and we call on the people of the region to rally around the Syrian Democratic Forces."

Mazloum Abdi confirmed that Syria is witnessing new developments and that the Damascus government forces have collapsed unexpectedly. He stated that "the current situation in Syria requires urgent action to protect civilians and impose security in the northern and eastern regions."

He added that the Syrian Democratic Forces "worked on opening a humanitarian corridor to rescue civilians in the countryside of Aleppo, where a large number of residents of Tal Rifaat and Shahba were evacuated with the support of the international coalition."

Regarding the Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, Mazloum Abdi stated that around 250,000 people remain there, and their forces continue to bravely hold Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. He emphasized, "Our Kurdish people must hold onto their identity in New Aleppo."

"We have enough forces to deter any Turkish aggression in our areas."

Abdi highlighted the ongoing Turkish threats to Manbij and NE Syria, saying:

"Turkey claims we are exploiting the situation to expand, which is untrue. What matters to us is protecting our areas and resolving issues with Turkey peacefully. We want to reduce tensions with Turkey through Russian and American mediation."

He affirmed: "We have enough forces to deter any Turkish aggression in our areas."

Abdi added that there is a significant vacuum in the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor deserts, which ISIS has filled following the withdrawal of Syrian government forces. He stated: "Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Tabqa must be protected from ISIS attacks. We are coordinating with the International Coalition forces to confront the threat of ISIS mercenaries in the region under these circumstances."

Abdi stressed that the recent developments in Syria necessitate a political solution for the country, stating, "We support it and Resolution 2245."

He revealed ongoing discussions with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham regarding Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo, confirming: "So far, our forces have not clashed with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham."

Mazloum Abdi affirmed: "What matters to us is shielding NE Syria from any attack. We seek de-escalation and reduced tensions with all parties, aiming for a political solution."

He disclosed: "For the past two months, we have been aware of what would unfold and have taken our precautions."

Abdi clarified that they are in communication with all parties, including Iraq, regarding the recent developments.

Regarding the forced displacement of people from the Shahba and Tel Rifaat areas, Abdi explained:

"There was an agreement between the United States and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham regarding the evacuation of residents from Aleppo’s countryside. We are continuing efforts to evacuate those who remain in Tal Rifaat and Shahba."

Mazloum Abdi praised the resistance in the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, stating:

"There is immense resilience and steadfastness from our people in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, defending their Kurdish identity."

For her part, Rohelat Afrin said: "We know that Turkey is behind these attacks, and the Women's Protection Units will continue to defend the people. The forces protecting Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, alongside the Martyr Avesta Khabur Units, stand on the frontlines."

Rohelat Afrin also clarified:

"Many female fighters have been captured by mercenaries, and we will do everything necessary to liberate them."

A-H

ANHA