Syria
Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi (holding microphone), speaks at a meeting with security personnel and tribal leaders in Raqqa on March 7, 2025. Photo: handout/Asayish
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi announced on Friday that they have a "mutual agreement" with Damascus ruling out a military solution to the Syrian crisis, after deadly clashes in the south and west of the country between state security forces and armed groups.
Abdi and a delegation of security personnel met with tribal leaders in Raqqa on Friday. The commander of the global coalition forces against the Islamic State (ISIS) was also present.
“The participants emphasized the necessity of finding peaceful solutions to the existing issues,” read a statement from the internal security forces (Asayish), who were also present at the meeting.
Key outcomes included ruling out military options to resolve the Syrian crisis and forming a delegation that represents all the components of northeast Syria (Rojava) to engage in a dialogue with Damascus.
They also expressed a willingness to incorporate Rojava’s institutions into the Syrian state structure, promised to deliver a package of administrative and economic reforms for Rojava, and said they would issue a general amnesty for some prisoners in honor of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The statement added that they remain committed to “combating ISIS and supporting stability and security” and denied the presence of former regime remnants or Iranian elements in the region.
Kurds and other minority groups are concerned that they have been excluded from national discussions about Syria’s future.
Abdi told the Associated Press on Sunday that in principle they want to be part of the defence ministry, adding that they have sent a proposal to Damascus and are “waiting for the response.”
Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Monday that they are “in agreement” with SDF on “the unity of the Syrian state and controlling weapons in its hands.”
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