SDF chief says to establish demilitarized zone in Ain al-Arab
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The commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces says the faction is working on setting up a demilitarized zone in northeastern Aleppo.
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US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi speaks during a press conference in Syria’s northeastern city of al-Hasakah on December 6, 2024. (AFP)
The Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, announced on Tuesday his readiness to establish a demilitarized zone in Ain Al-Arab (Kobani) and deploy security forces under American supervision and presence.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdi explained that the proposal aims to address Turkish concerns and ensure lasting stability in the region.
تأكيداً على التزامنا الثابت بتحقيق وقف شامل لإطلاق النار في كافة أنحاء سوريا، نعلن عن استعدادنا لتقديم مقترح إنشاء منطقة منزوعة السلاح في مدينة كوباني، مع إعادة توزيع القوات الأمنية تحت إشراف وتواجد أميركي.
— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) December 17, 2024
تهدف هذه المبادرة إلى معالجة المخاوف الأمنية التركية وضمان استقرار…
Abdi's statement follows the US State Department's announcement of an extension to the ceasefire in northern Syria between Turkiye and the SDF around the city of Manbij until the end of this week.
Meanwhile, SDF forces repelled an attack by militants from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army on the Tishreen Dam in eastern Aleppo countryside, an Al Mayadeen correspondent reported.
UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that "the conflict in Syria is not yet over," despite the collapse of the previous Syrian regime.
Pedersen noted that "intense confrontations have occurred over the past two weeks," followed by mediation efforts that established a five-day ceasefire, which has since expired. He expressed deep concern over reports of military escalation, cautioning that "it could be catastrophic."
Calls for lifting of sanctions
In addition, the envoy revealed that he recently met with Syria's new leadership and emphasized the need for "broad support" to lift sanctions on the country and facilitate reconstruction efforts.
"A tangible move toward an inclusive political transition will be key to ensuring Syria receives the economic support it desperately needs," Pedersen stated.
Highlighting international interest, he remarked that "there is clear global willingness to engage," while underscoring that Syria's vast needs can only be addressed through comprehensive support, including the removal of sanctions and coordinated reconstruction efforts
SDF cutting links in eastern Syria
SDF blew up the bridge linking the town of Hatla to the city of Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported on Friday.
Our correspondent also said that United States aircraft struck the bridge, which connects the western bank of the Euphrates to the eastern bank of the river.
