SDF head reports on increased ISIS activity in Syria's eastern regions
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The SDF head reveals an agreement between the United States and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regarding the evacuation of residents from rural Aleppo in northern Syria.
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Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, speaks during a news conference in Hassakeh, Syria, Nov. 26, 2022 (AP)
There is increased ISIS activity in the Syrian Desert, revealed Mazloum Abdi, the General Commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Friday, reassuring the residents of al-Raqqa, al-Tabqa, and Deir Ezzor that the SDF is prepared to protect all people in the region.
Speaking about the recent developments in Syria, Abdi noted that these events have led to a noticeable increase in ISIS movements in the Syrian Desert, as well as in the countrysides of Deir Ezzor and al-Raqqa.
He confirmed that ISIS has managed to regain control of some areas in these regions, posing an escalating security threat.
To address this, the SDF intends to intensify its cooperation with the US-led International Coalition in the coming period, he indicated.
Abdi stressed that the current situation in Syria requires swift action to protect civilians and establish security in the northern and eastern regions. He also announced that SDF forces had regained control of several areas previously vacated by Syrian government forces.
Abdi emphasized that the recent developments in Syria necessitate reducing tensions with all parties to achieve a political solution in the country, which we support in line with Resolution 2245.
Coordination between SDF and HTS in Aleppo
The SDF head also revealed an agreement between the United States and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regarding the evacuation of residents from rural Aleppo in northern Syria.
"We are closely monitoring the actions of HTS and their adherence to their commitments," he said, adding that there are communication channels between the SDF and HTS in Aleppo.
Abdi noted that a portion of the residents from Tal Rifaat and al-Shahba have been evacuated with support from the International Coalition, and ongoing efforts aim to rescue those trapped in al-Shahba and open a humanitarian corridor for the people in rural Aleppo.
Abdi highlighted that fighters from the "Afrin Liberation Forces" have shown resistance against terrorist attacks to the very last moment. However, he stated that SDF forces have not yet engaged in direct clashes with HTS.
He also disclosed that the SDF maintains constant coordination with all parties, including Iraq, Russia, and the United States, regarding the latest developments.
250,000 people remain in Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo
In a related context, Abdi reported that approximately 250,000 people remain in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo.
He confirmed that SDF forces are present in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods in Aleppo, urging the Kurdish population to hold onto their identity.
He added that "Turkey's attempts to threaten Manbij and northeastern Syria continue, but we seek a peaceful resolution to the issues with Turkey through Russian and American mediation."
Elsewhere, Abdi affirmed that the SDF has sufficient forces to deter any Turkish aggression against its areas of control.
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