Syrian Democratic Forces General Commander Abdi: International Coalition will remain in North and East Syria until region is stabile; U.S. diplomat Joey Hood travels to Libya

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Following the visit of a high-ranking U.S. State Department delegation to ​​North and East Syria, the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi stated via Twitter that the U.S.-led International Coalition will remain in North and East Syria to ensure complete and lasting victory over the Islamic State (ISIS), support stability in the region, and empower the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria.

اجتماع بَنَّاء مع وفد رفيع من الخارجية الأمريكية برئاسة مساعد الوزير السيد جوي هود ومن البيت الأبيض السيدة زهرة بيل مديرة مجلس الأمن القومي لسوريا والعراق.
تم التأكيد على بقاء قوات التحالف الدولي في المنطقة لتحقيق النصر الكامل على داعش و دعم الاستقرار وتمكين الإدارة الذاتية.

— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) May 18, 2021

After completing his visit to North and East Syria, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood traveled to Libya.

Hood held a joint press conference with Libyan Foreign Minister Najla al-Manqoush following a meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid al-Dabaiba and al-Manqoush in Tripoli. He stated that the goal of the U.S. is a sovereign, stable, and unified Libya without foreign intervention and affirming U.S. support for the new transitional authorities in the country.

In his statement, Hood pointed out that the U.S. opposes any military escalation and any foreign military intervention in Libya and called on all parties, Libyans and foreigners, to fully implement the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized the importance of the withdrawal of all foreign military forces from the country.

Hood also stressed that agreeing on a roadmap for the December elections is important for national reconciliation.