SDF's Abdi congratulates Al-Sharaa, invites him to visit northeastern Syria
Shafaq News/ General Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), emphasized on Monday the ongoing joint efforts to find solutions that serve Syria's national interest.
In an interview with 'North Press', Abdi also congratulated Syria's Transitional President, Ahmad Al-Shara, on assuming office nearly three weeks ago.
Abdi said that the SDF supports any initiatives aimed at achieving stability and national unity. Highlighting those efforts to lay the groundwork for negotiations with the Syrian government in Damascus are continuing, Abdi stressed that serious and purposeful dialogue is the most effective way to reach solutions that prioritize Syria's highest national interests.
Commenting on al-Shara's visit to Afrin, Abdi called it an "important initiative to encourage the safe return of the original residents and promote dialogue." He also invited the transitional president to visit northeastern Syria.
Abdi stated that while there are points of agreement with Damascus, other issues are still under discussion. He reaffirmed his forces' commitment to Syria's unity, based on justice and equality for all Syrians, free from discrimination or political quotas.
Earlier, Al-Sharaa had revealed some differences with the SDF regarding specific details. In response, Abdi revealed that Damascus had requested the removal of non-Syrian fighters from their ranks, the handover of security responsibilities, including ISIS detainees, to the Syrian government, and the return of central government institutions to northern and eastern Syria.
Abdi noted that the SDF is open to cooperation, emphasizing that the protection of the region and the fight against terrorism is a national responsibility that requires high-level coordination between all parties to ensure Syria's security and stability.
He also expressed openness to a national solution agreed upon by all Syrians, and confirmed that the SDF is planning another visit to Damascus to discuss a clear action plan for implementing the agreed-upon solutions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
38 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Overnight attack: Ukraine foils nearly 480 Russian drones, missiles
Shafaq News/ Ukraine's military intercepted or disabled nearly 480 aerial threats on Monday during one of the largest Russian air assaults since the war began in February 2022. Ukraine's General Staff reported that Russian forces launched 499 aerial weapons overnight from multiple locations, including Kursk, Oryol, Shatalovo, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The attack featured 479 Shahed drones and decoys, along with a range of missiles: four Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles from Tambov, 10 Kh-101 cruise missiles from Saratov, three Kh-22s, two Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles, and one Kh-35 from Crimea. By mid-morning, Ukrainian air defenses had shot down 292 targets and jammed another 187. The tally included 277 drones destroyed, 183 disrupted by electronic warfare, 10 Kh-101s neutralized, and four Kinzhals intercepted. The military described the strike as part of Russia's escalating 'aerial saturation' tactic designed to overwhelm air defenses and cripple infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 49 Ukrainian drones over seven regions, including Voronezh, Kursk, and Bryansk. In Voronezh, falling debris sparked fires that damaged a gas pipeline and a residential building. Governor Alexander Gusev confirmed the blazes were contained. Two additional drones struck the JSC VNIIR-Progress facility in the Chuvash Republic, leading to a temporary shutdown. Drone activity was also reported in nearby farmland. Authorities briefly closed airspace over airports in Kazan, Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Tambov.
Shafaq News
38 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Trump's new travel ban implemented despite controversy
Shafaq News/ A travel ban ordered by the US President Donald Trump took effect on Monday, barring nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States and prompting swift responses both internationally and domestically. Effective at 12:01 a.m. ET (0401 GMT), the measure signed last week restricts entry for citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions have been placed on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The White House characterized the move as a 'common sense' step aimed at protecting the country from 'dangerous foreign actors.' It followed a June 1 attack in Boulder, Colorado, where 12 people were injured during a rally held in support of Israeli hostages. The FBI classified the incident as a suspected terror attack involving incendiary devices, including a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. Authorities later identified the suspect as an Egyptian national. Egypt, however, is not among the countries listed in the directive. In a video posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump pointed to the Boulder incident as an example of the risks posed by individuals who have not been 'properly vetted,' indicating that the list could be revised if governments demonstrate 'material improvements' in identity verification and information sharing. He also noted that additional countries may be added 'as threats emerge around the world.' This marks Trump's second use of a nationality-based travel restriction. A similar order in 2017 triggered legal battles before a revised version was ultimately upheld by the US Supreme Court. The new directive has already drawn diplomatic responses. Chad suspended visa services for US citizens, while Somalia expressed its readiness to engage with Washington on security cooperation. The African Union encouraged the US to pursue 'constructive dialogue' with the affected states, emphasizing the importance of a more collaborative approach to international security. Political reaction inside the United States followed quickly. In Washington, Representative Pramila Jayapal described the measure as an expanded version of Trump's earlier travel ban, warning that it could deepen the country's diplomatic isolation. Moreover, immigration advocates and civil rights organizations have also voiced concern, arguing that the directive disproportionately targets vulnerable populations and countries that lack the institutional capacity to meet US entry standards. Trump's travel ban 2.0 is just another attack on legal discriminatory, it will tear families apart, and it will hurt our must pass the No Ban Act to stop this xenophobia. — Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 8, 2025
Shafaq News
38 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Widespread backlash grows over Israel's interception of ‘Madeleine' Flotilla
Shafaq News/ Israel's seizure of the humanitarian ship 'Madeleine' in international waters on Monday has drawn widespread backlash and renewed scrutiny of its blockade on Gaza. Hamas labeled the interception 'piracy' and a 'war crime,' urging the immediate release of all activists onboard and holding Israel fully accountable for their safety. Al-Haq, a rights group based in Ramallah, condemned the operation as an 'unlawful interception,' framing it as part of Israel's strategy to isolate and dismantle Palestinian society. Al-Haq urges states & intl orgs to ensure safe passage for the Madleen crew. Detained activists must be released & protected now. Let the #Madleen sail to Gaza. #FreePalestine #LetMadleenSail #MadleenToGaza — Al-Haq الحق (@alhaq_org) June 9, 2025 The operation also sparked internal dissent. Israeli media reported frustration within naval ranks, with a former navy chief telling Maariv the standoff should have been resolved through diplomacy, not force. The Australian Government must now impose immediate sanctions on the Israeli arms industry and the Netanyahu Government and end the two way arms trade with Israel #Madleen — David Shoebridge (@DavidShoebridge) June 9, 2025 Internationally, Australian Senator David Shoebridge denounced the raid as 'a clear breach of international law,' urging Canberra to sanction Israel's arms sector and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese echoed those calls, stressing that 'breaking the siege is a legal duty for states and a moral imperative for all of us.' While #Madleen must be released immediately, every Mediterranean port should send boats with aid, solidarity, and humanity to Gaza. They shall sail together—united, they will be unstoppable. #BreakingTheSiege is a legal duty for states, and a moral imperative for all of us. — Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) June 9, 2025 Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed the 'Madeleine,' also known as 'Madleen,' was towed at 3 a.m. local time into Israeli waters under orders from Defense Minister Israel Katz. The military claimed the move followed prior warnings and said all 12 passengers would be deported. Those detained included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, known for Game of Thrones. This marks the second maritime standoff in recent weeks. In May, the aid ship Al-Dameer was reportedly damaged by an Israeli drone while approaching Gaza.
