WASHINGTON DC - The United States on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for dialogue between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeast Syria (Rojava), aimed at integrating the Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian military. The statement comes ahead of anticipated talks between SDF chief Mazloum Abdi and representatives of the Syrian interim government in Paris.
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “We continue to support dialogue between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces aimed at integrating the SDF into the Syrian military.”
“We welcome all productive meetings between the SDF and [Syrian interim] President [Ahmed] al-Sharaa,” Bruce added, emphasizing that “we also support the SDF’s intent to transform the current ceasefire in northeast Syria [Rojava] into a comprehensive and lasting peace.”
She also highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts of US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who is working to “engage all parties and ensure security and calm for all Syrians.”
The SDF, which serves as the de facto military force in Rojava, played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2019 and continues to hold thousands of ISIS fighters in detention.
On March 10, Syria’s interim President Sharaa and SDF chief Abdi signed an agreement to integrate all civil and military institutions in Rojava - including the Kurdish-led forces - under the authority of the Syrian state.
However, implementation talks remain ongoing, as diverging views on the integration process pose a key challenge. While the SDF seeks to enter the Syrian army as a unified entity, Damascus prefers to incorporate SDF fighters individually into its existing military units.
Qutaiba Idlbi, director of American affairs at Syria's foreign ministry, confirmed to Rudaw on Wednesday that the two parties are set to meet “soon” in Paris to finalize the terms of integration.
Bruce’s comments follow a Sunday video call between US Congressman Abe Hamadeh and SDF Commander Abdi.
In a statement on X, the Republican lawmaker’s office cited him as praising the Kurdish-led forces as a key ally of the US, stressing that the SDF-Damascus talks “will resume in Paris with the [Donald] Trump Administration support.”
The SDF is a “key part of Syria’s future,” Hamadeh underlined, adding that “for over a decade, it has protected the northeast third of Syria, and established a decentralized model that protects Christians, Arabs, Kurds, and others.”
For her part, Bruce on Tuesday reiterated the Syrian interim government’s responsibility to “move the country toward peace and prosperity,” noting that “a comprehensive, inclusive government” is the best path forward for Syria.
