Chicago December 13, 2024
General Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is a key U.S. ally in Syria, has warned that Turkish forces and their Syrian-backed allies continue to attack his Kurdish fighters. This is happening despite a ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S. on Wednesday.
Abdi shared that his forces face daily drone strikes and heavy artillery attacks, which are hindering their fight against ISIS militants. He expressed concern that if his fighters are forced to retreat, ISIS could regain power in the region.
The situation has worsened since December 8, when Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces fell, and the Turkish military has increased its attacks on the Kurdish SDF. Abdi emphasized that the U.S. would likely need to withdraw its 900 troops in the region if the SDF pulls back.
National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby reassured that the U.S. would stay in close contact with its Kurdish partners to focus on defeating ISIS. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Turkey meeting with President Recep Erdogan to discuss stabilizing Syria.
Earlier this week, the SDF reached a temporary truce with Turkish-backed rebels in northern Manbij. The fighters will withdraw from the area soon, aiming to protect civilians. Another ceasefire is also being discussed in areas like Aleppo and Deir Ezzor. General Mazloum fears that without U.S. support, the Kurdish forces could struggle, and ISIS could return to power in Syria.
