Mazloum Abdi: Communication Channels with Damascus Remain Open Daily; Agreement in Principle on a Unified Syria with One Army and Flag

In an exclusive television interview with Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, Mazloum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated that communication channels with the Syrian government remain open on a daily basis. He emphasized that there is an initial agreement between the SDF and Damascus regarding the unity of Syrian territory under a single national flag and a unified army.

Abdi denied any Turkish involvement in the ongoing discussions, while highlighting the potential for Saudi Arabia to play a key mediating role, particularly following its contribution to easing certain international sanctions imposed on Syria.

Regarding his recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Abdi described the encounter as positive. He also clarified that he has not received any formal offer to assume a government position from Syrian authorities.

When discussing the future of Syria’s military structure, the SDF commander underlined the importance of maintaining certain sovereign institutions as centralized in Damascus. He affirmed that there should be only one national army in Syria, within what he referred to as a framework of “military centralization.”

Abdi also noted that the Kurdish community in northeastern Syria broadly aligns with the SDF’s vision. However, he expressed concerns about integrating into the Syrian military without clear constitutional guarantees that would safeguard the rights of local communities.

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