SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi Rejects Disarmament

In response to claims of Iranian support, Abdi explained that the SDF has not received drones or weapons from Iran and reaffirmed that they do not require arms from Tehran.

A fighter of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard along a road. (Photo: AFP)
A fighter of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard along a road. (Photo: AFP)

Jan. 19, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Mazloum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has affirmed on Sunday that his forces will not disarm or dissolve, underlining their willingness to join a unified future Syrian army via negotiations with the Syrian Ministry of Defense.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a central actor in northern and eastern Syria, has restated its commitment to upholding its military structure while expressing a readiness to incorporate into a future Syrian army.

In a statement quoted by Al Arabiya, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi underscored that disarmament or dissolution of the SDF is categorically not an option.

Abdi emphasized the significance of a negotiated integration of SDF forces into the Syrian Ministry of Defense, cautioning that sidestepping this process could create considerable challenges.

“Any path other than negotiating the issue of integrating forces will lead to major problems,” Abdi stated.

Exclusion from Key Meetings

The SDF commander expressed discontentment over being left out of a recent meeting of factions organized by the Ministry of Defense, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new administration leader.

Abdi remarked that the results of the meeting “do not concern us because we were not part of it.”

As an alternative, the SDF has suggested the formation of a joint military committee to explore ways for integration of forces, indicating its opposition to the existence of two separate armies in Syria.

“I am against the idea of having two armies in Syria,” Abdi added.

Relations with Regional and International Actors

Commenting on relations with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Abdi said that their collaboration would rely on actions rather than rhetoric.

He also underlined the significance of the presence of U.S. forces in Syria, emphasizing their role in mediating discussions and bringing different viewpoints closer together.

In response to claims of Iranian support, Abdi explained that the SDF has not received drones or weapons from Iran and reaffirmed that they do not require arms from Tehran.

Challenges Ahead

The SDF functions within the framework of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), established in 2014.

Under this administration, the Kurdish-led forces have established educational, social, and military institutions intended to preserve gains attained during the fight against ISIS.

The SDF’s standpoint reflects the intricacies of post-conflict Syria, where questions of military incorporation and territorial governance remain unresolved.

The group’s suggestion for a unified Syrian army underlines its desire to play a vital role in shaping Syria’s future, but tensions with the central government and regional actors continue to pose challenges.

Observers believe that dialogue, supported by international mediators like the United States, will be essential to overcoming these hurdles and achieving a sustainable solution for northern and eastern Syria.