SDF leader says Syria's Kurdish militias would welcome support from Israel

The leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has expressed his openness to support from Israel, amid the changing security dynamics within Syria and the region.

In an interview aired this week, BBC journalist Jiyar Gol raised with SDF commander çreports of increasing contact between Syria’s Kurdish militias and Israel, leading him to ask whether the SDF would accept support from Tel Aviv in the foreseeable future.

General Mazloum Abdi, commander of #Kurdish led #SDF forces in Syria, has expressed openness to Israeli support.
This development comes amid #Israel ‘s recent calls for international action to protect Syria’s Kurds. pic.twitter.com/ovPic8jQGc

— @jiyargol (@jiyargol) March 5, 2025

Abdi then signalled his openness to the idea, saying that if Israel can “prevent attacks against us and stop the killing of our people, we welcome that and appreciate it.” He further referred to Israel as “a force with influence in the US, the West, and the [Middle East] region.”

The leading Kurdish militant figure stressed that “we welcome anyone in the world who can help support our rights and protect our achievements,” saying “let me give a general answer. We welcome support from anyone.”

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