SDF Chief Confirms Kurdish Cities to Remain Under Local Security Control

World 12:36 PM - 2026-01-31

Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has stated that Syrian government forces will not enter Kurdish cities or towns in North and East Syria, explaining that they are trying to include Afrin and Seri Kani in the agreement with the Syrian interim government.

A comprehensive ceasefire has been reached between the SDF and the Syrian Government marking a significant step towards stabilising the country. According to a statement by the SDF Media Center, military forces from both sides will withdraw from contact points, while Interior Ministry security forces will be deployed to city centres in Hasakah and Qamishli under the agreement. The deal also sets out the phased integration of SDF security and military units into the Syrian state, including the creation of a new military division composed of three SDF brigades and a Kobani brigade under the Aleppo Governorate.

The agreement further provides for the integration of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s institutions into the official Syrian state framework, regularising the status of civil servants and ensuring continuity in governance. It also addresses the civil and educational rights of the Kurdish population and guarantees the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Syrian Government Forces Will Not Enter Kurdish Cities

Speaking in an interview, Abdi said that Damascus-affiliated forces would not play a role inside Kurdish cities as per their agreement with the Syrian interim government. He explained that a limited security presence would temporarily enter the security squares of Hasakah and Qamishli solely to reactivate civilian institutions, after which they would withdraw. He emphasised that their local security forces (Asayish) would continue to maintain stability across the region.

Abdi reaffirmed that only a small number of Damascus-affiliated internal security police would be deployed to Hasakah and Qamishli. Their role, he said, would be limited to coordination and integration before their withdrawal back to their designated points.

Preserving the Distinctiveness of Kurdish Regions

The SDF Commander-in-Chief revealed that a meeting was held on 27 January 2026 with representatives from Damascus, during which an agreement was signed. He described the most important outcome of the agreement as the cessation of fighting and the protection of the unique political and social character of Kurdish areas.

He noted that the arrangements agreed upon for Kurdish regions would also be applied to Afrin and Seri Kani.

Institutions to Remain Unchanged

Abdi confirmed that employees of the Autonomous Administration in Kurdish areas would retain their positions and be integrated into the relevant ministries. He stressed that institutions established by the people during the revolution would remain intact and would not be dismantled or altered.

He added that the implementation of the agreement would begin on 2 February and that the siege imposed on Kobani would be lifted.

Reassurance to the Public

Addressing public concerns about the agreement, Abdi acknowledged that it had not met all expectations and that some dissatisfaction existed. However, he urged the public not to fear the agreement, assuring them that efforts would continue to achieve further gains for the Kurdish people.

He emphasised that only the Asayish forces would remain to protect all Kurdish cities and towns.

Regarding his own future, Abdi stated that he would not accept any government position. Instead, he said he would remain among the people and work towards establishing a unified Kurdish political reference in Syria.

Future of the SDF

On the future structure of the SDF, Abdi said that SDF forces would remain organised as a brigade in the Jazira region and Kobani. He added that significant plots had been aimed at exterminating the peoples of northern and eastern Syria, but these attempts had been thwarted through resistance and unity.

In conclusion, Abdi revealed that the French president had pledged political guarantees for the agreement. He expressed pride in the steadfast position of the Kurdish people.



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