In an exclusive interview, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the main U.S. ally safeguarding approximately 45,000 ISIS militants and their families in eastern Syria, reported continued Turkish military attacks on his Kurdish forces, despite a recent agreement.
Gen. Mazloum stated that his forces endure approximately eighty daily drone attacks and intense shelling, crippling their counterterrorism operations.
These attacks escalated following Bashar al-Assad’s perceived fall on December 8th. Gen. Mazloum warned that the Kurds’ forced retreat would lead to ISIS resurgence.
He revealed that half of the guards protecting ISIS camps have been withdrawn to defend their families.
“All prisons remain under our control, but their security is critical due to the dwindling number of guards,” Gen. Mazloum explained from his eastern Syria base. “The Raqqa ISIS prison, holding roughly 1,000 prisoners, has lost half its guards, creating a precarious situation.”
This warning from a key U.S. ally is significant. The potential withdrawal of the 900 U.S. troops in eastern Syria, contingent on a Kurdish retreat, is concerning, given Turkey’s classification of the Kurds as terrorists.
National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby confirmed close U.S. engagement with both the SDF and Turkey to maintain focus on counter-ISIS missions.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with President Recep Erdogan in Turkey aims to stabilize the Syrian situation.
A State Department statement following the meeting noted Secretary Blinken’s emphasis on respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and ensuring the coalition’s continued counter-ISIS mission.
CENTCOM Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla’s recent meeting with Gen. Mazloum and the SDF followed extensive U.S. airstrikes targeting over 75 ISIS positions in eastern Syria, utilizing B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s.
Gen. Kurilla declared the U.S. commitment to preventing ISIS resurgence and holding accountable those supporting the group.
Following U.S. mediation, the SDF announced a truce with Turkey-backed rebels in northern Manbij, prioritizing civilian safety.
Gen. Mazloum stated that Manbij Military Council fighters would withdraw as soon as possible.
Reports suggest a tentative ceasefire in Aleppo and Deir Ezzor.
Gen. Mazloum expressed concerns about a U.S. withdrawal, citing a potential power vacuum and the possibility of various Islamist factions uniting with ISIS, leading to increased extremism.
He believes a new Syrian government must be inclusive to prevent another civil war.
He stressed the need for a representative government to prevent a potentially devastating civil war.
SDF forces mistakenly shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone on Monday, a case of friendly fire resulting from the intense Turkish attacks.