Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), refuted accusations linking his forces to a recent attack in Ankara, which Turkey claims originated from Syrian territory. The denial comes amid intensified Turkish airstrikes on Northern Syria, leading to civilian and military casualties. Abdi criticized Turkey’s actions, alleging a broader agenda to destabilize the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (AANES) and urged international actors to intervene. Meanwhile, Kurdish forces face mounting pressures on multiple fronts.
Abdi Denies Involvement in Ankara Attack
Mazloum Abdi responded firmly to Turkish allegations that the recent attack in Ankara was linked to Syrian territory, dismissing the claims as baseless. He stated, “No one from our territory has entered Turkish territory,” emphasizing the absence of evidence supporting Turkey’s assertions. Abdi’s denial came amid a wave of intensified Turkish airstrikes across Northern Syria targeting areas under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
The attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with 17 civilians killed and 48 others wounded, including nine SDF military personnel. Only two SDF fighters were among the dead, according to Abdi. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured. The Commander-in-Chief attributed the strikes to Turkey’s long-standing ambitions to occupy more Syrian land, adding that “for five years, the Turkish state has been attempting to occupy more of our lands, but it has not and will not succeed.”
Turkish Offensive and Regional Destabilization
Abdi accused Ankara of aiming to destabilize the region and dismantle the Autonomous Administration, suggesting that the military actions are part of an effort to displace the local population. Despite the increasing aggression, Abdi reaffirmed the SDF’s commitment to refraining from military operations inside Turkey or Northern Kurdistan, maintaining their focus solely on defending Syrian territory.
He asserted that this approach reflects the SDF’s consistent strategy of seeking peaceful resolutions through dialogue, even with Turkey. Abdi also addressed the international community, including Russia and coalition forces, calling their responses to the Turkish strikes “insufficient.” He urged these parties to increase diplomatic pressure on Turkey to cease its military operations in northern Syria. Abdi warned that if Turkish aggression persisted, the SDF would be compelled to escalate its “legitimate response” to defend the region.
Kurdish Forces and the Broader Geopolitical Tensions
In a related development, Murat Karayilan, a commander with the People’s Defense Forces (YPG), spoke on regional military dynamics, including the potential for joint operations involving the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Iraqi forces. He dismissed rumors of imminent large-scale offensives, noting that expected operations in the Goşin region did not materialize this year. According to Karayilan, the Turkish state is pursuing a strategy of blockading Kurdish areas from the north and south, but such efforts have faced significant obstacles.
He criticized Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler’s tactics, asserting that they are unlikely to succeed in the coming years. Karayilan also highlighted challenges in areas like Badinan, where intense fighting continues, making military progress difficult for Turkey. He mentioned recent incidents near Gara, where Turkish forces faced heavy resistance. Karayilan claimed that Turkish forces, with some support from local Kurdish authorities, are actively building roads in strategic areas, but resistance remains strong.
The ongoing tensions underscore the complex and volatile situation in the region, where the SDF, PKK, and other Kurdish forces face military pressures from both Turkey and regional actors. As Abdi and Karayilan rally support against external threats, the Kurdish struggle for autonomy and territorial defense continues to shape the conflict’s trajectory.
The situation in northern Syria and adjacent regions remains tense, with civilians caught in the crossfire of geopolitical struggles and military confrontations. Abdi’s appeal to the international community and his call for unity among local populations signal a determined effort to safeguard the Autonomous Administration and resist further encroachment.
