SDF Leadership Condemns Turkish-Backed Attacks in Syria, Calls for Unity and Resistance

General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Hassakeh, Syria, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Hassakeh, Syria, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Photo AFP

In a critical update on the evolving situation in northwest Syria, the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, and the SDF General Command have issued strong statements highlighting the intensity of recent clashes and the need for coordinated resistance.

Abdi emphasized the humanitarian measures undertaken by SDF forces in response to escalating violence. “With the collapse and withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies, we intervened to open a humanitarian corridor connecting eastern regions with Aleppo and Tal Rifaat to protect our people from massacres,” he stated. However, the efforts were thwarted by armed groups supported by Turkey, disrupting these life-saving measures.

“Our forces bravely defended our people in Aleppo, Tal Rifaat, and al-Shahba,” Abdi added, reaffirming ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of residents. He confirmed that the SDF is engaging with various actors in Syria to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians from conflict zones to secure regions in the northeast.

The SDF General Command echoed these concerns, denouncing the large-scale attacks as a Turkish-led initiative to destabilize the region. “This attack is orchestrated by the Turkish occupation state with the ultimate goal of occupying the entire Syrian territory,” the command stated, accusing Turkey of targeting the Democratic Autonomous Administration and undermining peaceful coexistence among Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, and other communities.

The statement underscored the historic significance of the current conflict. “This critical moment represents a historic turning point for all Syrians,” it read, calling the attacks a direct threat to the survival and freedom of the region’s people.

Despite facing heavy assaults, particularly around Manbij and west of the Euphrates, the SDF reiterated its resolve to protect the region. “Our Syrian Democratic Forces have consistently fulfilled their duty to liberate and protect the region. We reaffirm our commitment to these historical responsibilities, regardless of the cost,” the command declared.

The SDF leadership also called for a broad mobilization of support. “We urge everyone to heed the call for public mobilization and to coordinate closely with the SDF and Internal Security Forces,” the statement urged, inviting youth from all backgrounds—Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Assyrians, Armenians, and Circassians—to join resistance efforts.

The General Command framed the conflict as a “noble struggle for humanity and human dignity,” pledging to continue the fight against oppressive ideologies and external aggressors. “We are confident that with the active participation of our youth, we can repel this attack and thwart the plans of the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries.”