Mazloum Abdi: SDF Forces Withdraw to Kurdish‑Majority Areas, Protection of These Regions Remains a “Red Line”

Reuters

SDF Commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi.

Mazloum Abdi, Commander‑in‑Chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has confirmed that his forces have withdrawn to predominantly Kurdish areas as part of efforts to safeguard civilian communities amid intensifying hostilities. He described the defence of these areas as a non‑negotiable “red line”.

In an exclusive statement to ANHA news agency, Abdi reported that SDF fighters are repelling brutal attacks targeting Kurdish civilians across multiple locations in Rojava (North and East Syria), expressing his appreciation for the resistance shown by local residents and fighters in confronting  these assaults.

Abdi also highlighted a marked escalation in violence against facilities detaining Islamic State (ISIS) fighters and their families, particularly at al‑Shaddadi and the Al‑Hawl camp. According to his account, Al‑Hawl has endured repeated attempts by hostile forces to storm and seize control of the camp, compelling guards to withdraw following fierce clashes involving armoured vehicles and tanks.

He further stated that factions aligned with the Syrian government continue to press attacks on the city of Al‑Hasakah, its surrounding countryside, and Kobani, despite all the initiatives launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces over the past two weeks to establish a ceasefire. Abdi reiterated that the redeployment of SDF forces to Kurdish‑majority areas reflects a strategic defensive posture intended to protect civilians.

Abdi said that al‑Aqtan Prison in Raqqa, still under SDF guard, is under heavy attack, including the use of rocket launchers and artillery, with repeated attempts to breach the facility. He warned that such assaults endanger prison personnel and raise the risk of detainees escaping.

The SDF commander called on members of the Global Coalition to fulfil their responsibilities in securing ISIS detention facilities, and urged the Syrian government to cease its offensive actions and return to negotiations. He also appealed to the Kurdish diaspora and international supporters to back SDF efforts to protect civilians and sustain defensive operations.



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