Talal Silo
Talal Silo was the official Syrian Democratic Forces spokesperson until his surrender or defection to Turkey in November 2017. His departure marked the first major defection among the SDF's top ranks.
Silo, a Turkmen, was the SDF spokesperson from 2014 to November 2017, covering major SDF operations and battles against the militant group ISIL.
Silo has since given an alleged free interview to the pro-Erdoğan newspaper Daily Sabah. He alleged that during the SDF capture of Raqqa from ISIL, thousands of ISIL fighters—many more than first reported—left the city under a secret U.S.-approved deal. However, US officials described Silo's comments as “false and contrived”. The deal is argued as a strategic move by the SDF and coalition forces.
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian National Army have presented different versions of the reasons behind Silo's departure - reflecting the complexities of the Syrian Civil War.
