Tensions have risen between Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) this week. Turkey has warned that Damascus might consider military action against the SDF following several days of intense fighting near Aleppo. The SDF has been instrumental in aiding U.S. forces in their efforts to defeat the Islamic State in Syria.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed on Thursday that Syria seems ready to use force against the SDF, although he hopes for a resolution through dialogue.
This warning follows clashes that have displaced tens of thousands and resulted in at least 23 casualties, according to reports. It’s a sign of escalating regional tensions, particularly as negotiations to integrate the SDF into the Syrian National Army have been stalled for nearly a year now after a U.S.-backed agreement.
The U.S. is actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate the situation. U.S. Central Command is mediating daily on the ground in collaboration with partners like France, the U.K., Turkey, and Jordan. Charles Lister from the Middle East Institute noted, “CENTCOM plays an active intermediary role on the ground in Syria every day.” He also emphasized that the U.S. remains the SDF’s primary supporter and financier.
Lister indicated that significant pressure from the U.S. led SDF leader Mazloum Abdi to sign the March 2025 Framework Agreement. However, he mentioned that divisions within the SDF are stalling the deal’s implementation. “The delay is due to certain factions within the SDF who oppose the agreement,” he said, adding that their strategy might be to prolong the standstill in hopes that the Syrian Interim Government will lose its credibility.
In a statement, the SDF condemned the recent military escalation by Syrian forces and Turkey, which they claim has involved multiple attacks using artillery and drones. The SDF asserts that civilian infrastructure has also been targeted, although neither Turkey nor the Syrian government has publicly addressed these allegations.
With the ongoing conflict, there are concerns about its potential to escalate into a larger military confrontation. Lister warned that serious diplomacy is urgently needed to avert a more active military zone, stressing that without it, the situation remains precarious.
