250,000 people in Aleppo's Kurdish neighborhoods under siege

QAMISHLO, Syrian Kurdistan,— In a press conference on Friday, Mazloum Abdi, the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—the de facto army of the Autonomous Administration in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava)—outlined the challenges facing Kurdish communities in Syria and the region’s broader political situation.

Abdi discussed the difficult conditions in Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Aleppo, which are currently under siege. According to Abdi, over 250,000 Kurdish residents are enduring severe circumstances, while local SDF forces are heroically defending them. He stressed the need for a political solution that would allow these communities to continue living with their identity intact.

Abdi also addressed the ongoing threats posed by Turkey, particularly targeting towns like Manbij and others in northern Syria. Despite these threats, the SDF remains committed to resolving the situation through dialogue.

He highlighted that Coalition Forces are working to reduce tensions, and the SDF is fully prepared to defend its territories against any attacks. Abdi reaffirmed that the SDF has the strength and capability to protect its people in northern and eastern Syria.

The situation in Syria has grown increasingly complex, with the Syrian regime withdrawing from key areas, leaving a vacuum that ISIS has begun to exploit.

Abdi pointed out that ISIS has been mobilizing in regions such as Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Tabqa, and the SDF is actively defending these areas. He called for the Kurdish people to unite in support of the SDF’s efforts and to stand firm against any threats.

In light of these developments, Abdi stressed the need for a political solution to the crisis in Syria. He noted that previous peace processes failed due to the exclusion of northern and eastern Syrian representatives.

This time, he emphasized, it is crucial for these regions to be part of any negotiations if a comprehensive peace agreement is to be reached. Abdi underscored that the SDF is open to a political solution and is prepared to engage in talks to find a peaceful resolution.

In his remarks, Abdi confirmed that the SDF has contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as al Nusra Front, a Turkey-backed Islamist group, in the context of Aleppo, but clarified that there have been no direct confrontations with them.

Abdi made it clear that the SDF will defend its territories against any attacks, regardless of the source. He called for a reduction in tensions and for all parties involved to pursue political solutions rather than military conflict.

In terms of international involvement, Abdi confirmed that the SDF is in regular communication with the Coalition Forces, including the United States and Russia, to address the growing threat posed by ISIS. These discussions are focused on strengthening security in northern and eastern Syria. Abdi also noted the importance of including all stakeholders in the peace process, including the UN and neighboring countries like Iraq and Jordan, to ensure a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Abdi concluded by stressing the SDF’s commitment to protecting the Kurdish people, particularly in areas like Shehba and Til Fırat, which remain under constant threat. He called on international powers to support a political solution and ensure that the voices of northern and eastern Syria are included in the peace talks.

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the SDF remains steadfast in its mission to defend its people and work toward a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The SDF on Friday entered the city of Deir Ezzor following the withdrawal of Syrian government forces.

On Thursday, the Islamist HTS forces took control of Hama, pushing pro-government troops out of the city.