ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish leaders in Erbil and Sulaimani have played a significant role during clashes with Damascus earlier this year and the subsequent negotiations, the commander of the now-dissolved Kurdish force said Tuesday.
“Whether on the battlefield or on the diplomatic front,” Mazloum Abdi stated, Kurdish leaders in the Kurdistan Region have “spared no effort” to help the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) when clashes with Damascus and its affiliated forces broke out in late 2025.
Abdi announced the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in August and was appointed as an advisor to the Syrian presidency soon after.
Speaking at the 2026 Middle East Research Institute (MERI) in Erbil, Abdi relayed the first moments when Damascus launched the offensive, which started in the two Kurdish-majority neighborhoods north of Aleppo, Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh.
“During the conflict in Sheikh Maqsood… Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan [Barzani] was constantly with us, directly involved through every battle, every offensive, until we repelled the attacks and secured the frontlines,” he said.
He also pointed to the meetings they held with American mediators to reach a deal with Damascus.
“Tom Barack [US Special Envoy] and the US delegation were also present at the time. There was significant support, immense support. Right as the war started, we were together, and our meetings began right there.”
Abdi underscored the “strong and unconditional support” of Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani while also acknowledging contributions from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan during and after the clashes.
The SDF and the Syrian interim government reached a deal that became known as the January agreement. The deal accelerated the then stalled integration process of Rojava’s civilian and military institutions.
Around 13,000 SDF fighters have been integrated into the Syria army in separate brigades. A Kurdish governor was also appointed for the Kurdish-majority Hasaka province along with a deputy defense minister, among other key posts.
“This is an achievement for all Kurdish people, not just one party,” he said, urging Kurdish political parties to “protect these gains” along the advancement of the integration process.
