Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has called on international mediators to persist in seeking diplomatic solutions with Turkey, as Turkish forces ramp up airstrikes in northern Iraq and northeastern Syria. The airstrikes come in the wake of an attack on a defense facility in Ankara on October 23, which killed five people and injured over 20.

In an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday evening, Abdi claimed that Turkey is using the recent Ankara incident as a pretext for a military campaign that had already been planned. “The Turks claim these attacks are a response to the recent incident in Ankara. But that is not the reason, because the type and continuity of the attacks, now entering their sixth day, show that this is not a mere reaction. The Ankara incident was just an excuse,” he asserted.

Turkey has since intensified airstrikes on dozens of locations in northern Iraq and northeastern Syria, targeting areas believed to be associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which claimed responsibility for the Ankara attack. The PKK, viewed by Turkey as a terrorist organization, has long been in conflict with the Turkish state, and its suspected affiliations with the SDF have complicated regional dynamics.

Despite the escalated conflict, Abdi reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue. “We are open to dialogue with all parties, including Turkey, even though their attacks persist,” he said. He urged the US-led coalition, originally formed to combat the Islamic State, and other international mediators to support peace efforts.

“We hope that these dialogues we are discussing, which are taking place through mediation, will continue and yield results,” Abdi added, underscoring his appeal for sustained international diplomatic engagement.

As tensions rise in the region, the calls for diplomatic intervention emphasize the fragile balance needed to address both security concerns and regional stability in northeastern Syria and northern Iraq.