Non-Syrian Kurdish Fighters' Withdrawal Linked to Ceasefire with Türkiye
Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has stated that non-Syrian Kurdish fighters who joined the fight in Syria will return to their home regions if a ceasefire is established with Türkiye. This announcement comes amid escalating tensions following the recent capture of Manbij by Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups on December 9, after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
Abdi emphasized the importance of these fighters, many of whom are from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), in the battle against ISIS over the past decade. He noted that while some fighters have already returned home, the time has come for others to leave if peace is achieved. He reiterated that there are no organizational ties between the SDF and the PKK, which Türkiye and the US classify as a terrorist organization.
Ongoing Hostilities and Calls for Arms
Despite calls for a ceasefire, the SDF has accused Türkiye of violating the terms of the ceasefire announced by the US State Department. The SDF has urged residents of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) to prepare for combat against Turkish forces and their Syrian allies, who are reportedly planning further attacks on Kurdish-controlled areas. The situation remains tense as the SDF prepares to defend its territories against ongoing threats.
International Mediation Efforts
The United States, which views the SDF as a crucial ally in the fight against ISIS, is mediating between the conflicting parties to establish a lasting ceasefire. However, Turkish officials have indicated that no formal ceasefire agreement has been reached with the SDF. The US has extended the ceasefire around Manbij until the end of the week, but the effectiveness of this extension remains uncertain as hostilities continue to escalate.
