The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Commander Mazloum Abdi, have firmly rejected calls for disarmament, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining their armed capabilities. In a recent interview with Al Arabiya, Abdi stated that the SDF has no intention of surrendering weapons or dissolving their ranks.
Abdi highlighted the SDF's willingness to engage in negotiations aimed at integrating their forces into Syria's future national military structure. \"We haven't decided to give up our arms or disband,\" he affirmed, adding that the SDF is open to discussions about forming a single national army that unites various factions under a unified command.
The SDF has proposed the creation of a joint military committee to explore the feasibility of this integration, stressing their opposition to the establishment of multiple separate armies within Syria. This stance comes amidst reports that SDF representatives were excluded from talks led by Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, regarding the incorporation of different factions into the new defense ministry.
Abdi underscored that the SDF's relationship with al-Sharaa hinges on tangible actions rather than mere promises. He dismissed rumors of Iranian weapon supplies to the SDF, asserting that there is no need for Iranian arms, including drones, and emphasized the importance of U.S. forces as mediators in the negotiation process. \"We value the presence of American troops in Syria to help narrow differences in viewpoints,\" Abdi stated.
Supported by U.S. backing and predominantly composed of Kurdish units, the SDF controls significant territories in northern and eastern Syria. After a meeting in Damascus on December 30, the first since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government earlier that month, tensions remain high. The surprise advance by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham into Damascus and a Turkish-backed offensive against Kurdish fighters have forced the SDF to retreat from certain areas.
Turkey continues to view the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the core of the SDF, as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). As negotiations proceed, the international community watches closely to see how these dynamics will shape Syria's path toward unified national defense.
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Kurdish-led militia rejects disarmament, calls for integration
cgtn.com
