SDF commander Mazloum Abdi received orders from CENTCOM to stop the Syrian government’s resistance in Aleppo

Sources close to the leadership of the Syria Democratic Forces in eastern Euphrates say that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) informed the commander of the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, of the need to hand over the areas under the control of his forces inside the city of Aleppo, and to stop any confrontation with Syrian government forces.

A direct contact with the SDF leadership as saying that the US message stressed that US forces won’t intervene to protect SDF elements in Aleppo, explaining that this position was conveyed to Abdi before the Syrian-Israeli negotiations meeting in Paris, on January 5, which was held under US auspices.

Washington is moving within broader geopolitical calculations, which has led the SDF leadership to feel that it’s no longer a priority for the United States, warning of the possibility of a repeat of the demand for withdrawal from other areas in the next stage.

In the same context, according to US source said that there is a growing conviction that US President Donald Trump is ready to abandon the SDF if both Syria and Türkiye agree to his efforts to bring the views of Damascus and Tel Aviv closer and cooperate with Washington in the fight against terrorism.

The source pointed out that the SDF leadership is well aware that defending its positions without US cover will be futile, citing what happened in the Afrin area north of Aleppo in 2018, when Kurdish forces lost control of the area after the intervention of Turkish-backed factions, in the absence of US support.

The US official added that the SDF fought the battle of Afrin but ended in its loss as a result of the lack of US intervention to contain the escalation at that time.

On the other hand, the SDF’s loss of its areas in Aleppo, although less important than its areas of influence in eastern Syria, has caused great concern within its ranks.

The handover of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods was preceded by defections among fighters from Arab tribes, including elements of the Baqara tribe who had previously fought alongside the SDF against government forces.

The same scenario may be repeated in eastern Syria, as the Arab tribes there to turn against the SDF, pointing out that the main question has become centered on the timing of Washington’s giving the green light to Damascus to advance east.

He stressed that the US administration will first seek to secure its interests related to oil and other issues, but in the end, it may move in this direction.

Following military developments in Aleppo city and its countryside, US Central Command called on all parties concerned to return to the negotiating table in good faith.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said his country is closely following what is happening in Aleppo and surrounding areas, calling for restraint and avoiding any steps that could escalate tensions, while stressing the need to protect civilians and infrastructure.

Cooper also stressed the importance of resuming dialogue to reach a lasting diplomatic solution, noting that Syria’s internal stability and with its neighbors can contribute to enhancing security and prosperity in the region, stressing that Washington and Damascus have common interests in maintaining regional stability.