SDF commander-in-chief proposes demilitarized zone in Kobani

“This initiative aims to address Turkey's security concerns and ensure lasting stability in the region," the SDF commander-in-chief added.

Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), gives a press conference near Hassakeh province, Oct. 24, 2019. (Photo: AFP)
Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), gives a press conference near Hassakeh province, Oct. 24, 2019. (Photo: AFP)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced on Tuesday a proposal to establish a demilitarized zone in the city of Kobani as part of efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire across Syria. 

In a post on the social media platform X, Abdi, also known by his nom de guerre Mazlum Kobane, emphasized the SDF's commitment to stability in the region. "Reaffirming our firm commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire across all of Syria, we announce our readiness to propose the establishment of a demilitarized zone in the city of Kobani, with the redeployment of security forces under American supervision and presence," Abdi stated. 

“This initiative aims to address Turkey's security concerns and ensure lasting stability in the region," the SDF commander-in-chief added.

Abdi's statement underscores the SDF's willingness to engage in measures aimed at reducing conflict and promoting peace in the war-torn region.

Syria's Turkey-backed armed groups on Dec. 8, captured Damascus, marking the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Assad family has ruled the country for over five decades, beginning with Hafez al-Assad in 1971.

Following the fall of Damascus, armed clashes have broken out in the cities of Manbij and Deir ez-Zur between US-backed SDF and Syria's Turkey-backed armed groups, which resulted in the withdrawal of SDF from both cities. 

Also on Dec. 11, a US-brokered ceasefire agreement was declared between the two forces, to stop further clashes.

SDF was formed in Oct. 2015 as an alliance of Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, and other ethnic groups in Syria. The coalition was established to combat ISIS and to promote a democratic and secular Syria. The SDF has received support from the US and other international allies in its efforts to stabilize the region.