We have continuous communication with our American friends, says Mazloum Abdi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on Monday told the US-government-owned Alhurra channel that they have "continuous communication with our American friends, who support our efforts to stop the escalation and guarantee the rights of all Syrian components, including the rights of the Kurds within the framework of a unified state.”

The SDF commander also warned that any attempt to Islamize Syria poses a serious threat to the country’s cultural and religious diversity. Meanwhile, Abdi emphasized the need to preserve Syria’s pluralistic identity.

Abdi revealed that the SDF maintains channels of communication with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), although he clarified that no direct negotiations have taken place between the two sides. He stressed that Syria is at a critical crossroads following the political and military shifts that occurred after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

"The future of Syria hinges on establishing a democratic system rooted in justice and equality for all components and religions," Abdi stated, underscoring the importance of uniting Syrian forces to prevent the recurrence of past mistakes that could lead to further conflict and instability.

Abdi highlighted the long-standing suffering of the Syrian people and urged that their aspirations, which ignited the revolution, must be fulfilled. He described the SDF as a vital safeguard against the resurgence of extremism, advocating for the creation of a constitution that secures the rights of all Syrians under a unified framework.

"Our forces are committed to ensuring security and stability in the regions we control. We continue to fight terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS, which remains a significant threat by exploiting the security vacuum left by the fall of the regime," Abdi said.

The SDF leader reiterated his dedication to peaceful solutions, noting that maintaining open communication with HTS could help avoid clashes and de-escalate tensions.

In a pointed critique, Abdi accused the Syrian National Army (SNA) of being directly influenced by Turkey. "Ankara orchestrates the SNA’s decisions, and we are responding to their attacks carried out under the cover of Turkish drones. Our focus remains on fortifying defensive lines to prevent breaches or assaults on our positions," he asserted.

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.

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.