Mazloum Abdi Breaks Silence: Ceasefire with Turkey, Dialogue with Damascus, and Vision for a New Syria

SDF Commander Gen. Mazloum Abdi outlines conditional truce with Turkey, calls for decentralized governance in Syria, and confirms 10,000 ISIS detainees remain in custody. Denies Israeli ties, warns of renewed civil war if inclusivity fails.

In a rare and wide-ranging interview with Shams TV, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander General Mazloum Abdi broke months of silence to address key political and military developments shaping Syria’s fragile future.

Abdi confirmed the existence of a conditional ceasefire with Turkey, disclosed behind-the-scenes negotiations with Damascus, and laid out a vision for a decentralized, united Syria, modeled in part on Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.

Turkey: Ceasefire Still Holding, Future Open

General Abdi revealed that a conditional truce with Turkey has been in place for more than two months.

“We’re not at war with Turkey today,” he stated. “We have a temporary, conditional ceasefire — and we hope it becomes permanent.”

He added that direct and indirect lines of communication with Ankara remain open, though Turkish demands include the integration of SDF forces into the Syrian Arab Army and de-escalation along frontlines.

When asked about rumors of a possible meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Abdi said:

“There are no current plans. But I have no objection. The future is open.”

He also welcomed the dissolution announcement by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), calling it a positive step that likely contributed to the ceasefire environment.

Syria’s Political Future: Federal, Inclusive, and United

Abdi reaffirmed his commitment to Syrian territorial unity, emphasizing that the SDF’s long-term goal is self-administration, not secession.

“We want a decentralized Syria — not a divided one. We are committed to Syria’s sovereignty.”

He addressed recent controversy surrounding the Kurdish Unity Conference in Qamishli and its political manifesto:

“The document doesn’t contradict the March 10 agreement signed with President Ahmad al-Sharaa. His reaction was hasty. We are united as Kurds and ready to form a joint delegation for Damascus.”

A Model from Erbil: Coexistence Through Local Governance

Speaking about his recent visit to Erbil and meeting with President Masoud Barzani, Abdi called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq a “successful model of coexistence, security, and governance.”

“The harmony among Kurds, Arabs, Christians, and others in northern Iraq offers a path forward — for Rojava and all of Syria.”

SDF Fighters and the Road to Demilitarization

Regarding the future of SDF forces, Abdi stated the only reason to fight again would be self-defense.

“Otherwise, we’re ready to integrate into a national Syrian military — through formal and inclusive dialogue.”

Military committees have already been formed to oversee integration discussions, he said, adding that SDF personnel must be guaranteed fair treatment and roles in Syria’s civil and military institutions.

“They’ve earned it — including the women fighters in the YPJ. They should be part of the country’s future defense structures.”

Minorities, Sectarianism, and Civil War Risks

Abdi underscored the SDF’s commitment to pluralism, noting strong ties between Kurdish forces and Christian, Alawite, and Druze communities.

“After recent violence in coastal and Druze areas, their fears are understandable. But we reject sectarianism. Alawites must receive real guarantees.”

Responding to allegations of covert ties with Israel, Abdi was unequivocal:

“We have no relationship with Israel. Any such claims are false.”

He also warned that Syria remains at risk of another civil war, citing a fragile security environment and lack of inclusive political institutions.

10,000 ISIS Prisoners, Oil Revenues, and the U.S. Role

Abdi confirmed that around 10,000 ISIS detainees remain in SDF custody, including foreign fighters.

“Foreign nationals should be returned to their countries. Syrians should face justice at home.”

Turning to northeastern Syria’s natural resources, Abdi insisted on national ownership and fair distribution:

“These resources belong to all Syrians. We’ll negotiate with Damascus on managing them transparently.”

He also confirmed that U.S. forces remain in Syria, facilitating mediation with Damascus and helping prevent an ISIS resurgence.

“Yes, the threat from ISIS is real and growing. Our cooperation with the U.S. continues.”

On Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa

Asked about his view of Syria’s transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Abdi struck a cautious but hopeful tone:

“We judge by actions, not promises. So far, our meetings have been positive. If we cooperate, we can rebuild Syria.”

He acknowledged that a full national security apparatus is not yet in place, but said a Damascus–SDF alliance is essential to restoring stability.

Final Word: No Vengeance, No Sectarianism

In his closing remarks, Abdi emphasized the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of the SDF and rejected all suggestions of ethnic or sectarian revenge:

“Our fight was never for vengeance. It was for dignity. Our enemy is not a nation — it’s a mentality of racism, sectarianism, and ignorance.”