The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (QSD) organised a press conference on the developments in Syria. QSD General Commander Mazlûm Ebdî and YPJ commander Rohilat Efrîn answered the questions of journalists. 

 

Mazlum Ebdî's answers to the questions are as follows:  

 

* There are more than 250 thousand people in Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo. They are under Abduka. We have local forces there and they heroically defend our people. We want the problem in the Kurdish neighbourhoods to be solved through dialogue. We continue our initiatives for our people to stay there, live with their own identity and live as a part of the new Aleppo. 

 

* Turkey's threats continue. They threaten Manbij and other cities. However, we have said before that we want to solve our problems with Turkey through dialogue. The Coalition Forces also have initiatives to reduce tension here. Our preparations against possible attacks in Manbij and all cities in Northern and Eastern Syria are complete. QSD has the power to protect our people from all attacks. 

 

* After the recent attacks, a big vacuum has emerged in Syria. The Syrian regime withdrew from some places. ISIS is filling these gaps. We have seen that ISIS has mobilised in many places and increased its attacks. We are taking every measure to defend our people in Deirazor, Raqqa and Tabqa. We call on our people to unite around QSD. 

 

* We are in contact with the International Coalition Forces against the ISIS threat. There is a need to strengthen this liaison. 

 

* A new military and political process has emerged in Syria. Recent developments have shown that a political solution is needed. We are in favour of this political process. In the previous processes, Northern and Eastern Syrian officials did not take part in the negotiations and therefore these negotiations were not successful. We are ready for a political solution. Representatives of Northern and Eastern Syria should take part in the new process so that a solution process can be established for the whole country. 

 

* We have contacth with HTS in the context of Aleppo. We have not fought with them until now. A new process has emerged. HTS has spread to many places in Syria. What concerns us is that our region is not the target of attacks. If there is an attack, we will protect it. We will respond no matter who attacks us. Tension must be reduced. There must be a ceasefire with all forces. We must solve our problems through political means. 

 

* We are in contact with all forces to protect our region from attacks. We are also in contact with Iraq and other states. There is a risk of attack through this region. There are threats from Turkey. There are threats in Raqqa and Derazor. However, we are taking whatever measures are necessary to protect our people. We are in contact with the Coalition Forces, especially the USA and Russia. 

 

* Threats from groups affiliated to Turkey continue. We have taken military measures to protect ourselves from the attacks of these groups, but we do not want another conflict in the region. We are in contact with the coalition and other forces for the political solution of the problems. We are more ready than ever for a possible attack. Whoever attacks will be severely repelled.  

 

* We were in contact with the US to get our people living in Shahba and Till Rifaat, which are under the threat of attack, out of there. The US was also in talks with other states it was in contact with. However, many people are still there. The groups there prevented these people. People were killed and kidnapped. The process of removing all of our people from there is still not finalised. If there are no obstacles, this process will be completed today. 

 

* There is more opportunity for a political solution than ever before. Representatives from here should also take part in this process. We are in contact with the UN representatives. UN representatives also want the representatives of this region to take part in the solution. 

 

* We have no decision to fight with HTS. They are not in a position to fight us either. We will look at their actions and see whether they will keep their promises or not.

 

* We will do whatever is necessary for a political solution to prevent the disintegration of Syria. We are in contact with neighbouring states, especially Iraq and Jordan. 

 

* There is a risk towards the HOL Camp. There is a movement. ISIS took courage from the recent events. In this process, we need to be in more contact with the Coalition Forces against ISIS. 

 

* The situation in Syria has changed, it is not like before. The forces of the Syrian army are not here. Because of this, the situation has changed militarily. There will also be a change. It is early now. But what is important for us is the defense of the region. 

 

* The Syrian government must also accept the political solution and take steps. They were not open to the solution of the Kurdish issue before. Now they should take a step and not obstruct the solution. 

 

* The solution is no longer only in the hands of the Syrian government. There are many sides to the solution. The Syrian government must also accept this. The Syrian government can no longer refuse everything as before. 

 

* International powers, the UN should make efforts for a political solution this time. The administration of Northern and Eastern Syria must also be part of the solution. 

 

* ISIS is very dangerous for both sides of the Euphrates. We have to think about both sides. 

 

* We are open to everyone to solve the problems. HTS is also included in this. Our aim is to protect our people. We strive for the political status of this place. Whoever is open to this, we approach positively. As Turkey says, we are not a danger. This rhetoric is being spread on purpose. Our concern is to defend our own territory. 

 

Rohilat Efrîn's answers are as follows:  

 

* There are captured women fighters. Some women organized under the name of Martyr Jiyan Tolhildan are among those captured. 

 

* Turkey and affiliated groups are the most misogynistic. YPJ and our other forces will respond to these attacks. The Turkish state and its affiliated groups should be tried in international courts. This must be avenged in the name of the captured women. As YPJ, we are determined to protect our people and women. 

 

* There were attacks by ISIS after what happened. All our people must be prepared and organized against this gap. At the same time, they must unite in a defense position. We will continue our defense as we have responded until today.