Damascus: The United States announced its willingness to facilitate discussions between the Syrian government and the YPG/SDF amidst rising tensions in Aleppo. US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, conveyed this on social media platform X after meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus.
According to Anadolu Agency, Barrack's discussions were conducted on behalf of US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US aims to support a unified Syria where diverse communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Druze, Christians, Alawites, Turkmen, and Assyrians, participate equally in governance and security frameworks.
The US supports Syria's transition under President Sharaa, focusing on stabilizing the nation, rebuilding institutions, and fulfilling citizens' aspirations for peace and prosperity. Washington remains committed to defeating ISIS through Operation Inherent Resolve and its partnership with the SDF.
Barrack highlighted Syria's reaffirmed commitment to the March 2025 agreement for integrating SDF forces into national structures, protecting Kurdish rights while enhancing national unity. Recent Aleppo developments challenging this agreement are concerning, prompting calls for restraint and adherence to the March and April 2025 agreements.
Secretary Rubio's team is prepared to mediate between the Syrian government and the SDF, promoting integration that respects Syria's sovereignty and the establishment of a legitimate national military. The US urges regional and global partners to support this vision.
Since Tuesday, SDF attacks in Aleppo have resulted in 23 fatalities, over 100 injuries, and the displacement of approximately 165,000 residents from Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud. The March 2025 agreement emphasizes Syria's territorial unity, while an April 2025 agreement designates these districts as part of Aleppo, with the SDF required to withdraw east of the Euphrates River.
Despite these agreements, the SDF has not complied with their terms, prompting the Syrian government to enhance national security post-Assad regime's December 2024 ousting.