Kurdish militia reaches agreement with Syrian government to counter divisions
The head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has announced an agreement with Syria's new leadership to counter "territorial divisions" in the war-torn country. The SDF, a Kurdish militia backed by Washington, controls a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria.
"We have agreed on the importance of the unity and territorial integrity of Syria. We reject all plans for division that threaten the unity of the country," said SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, referencing a December meeting in Damascus with representatives of the new Syrian administration.
"It is up to the new leadership to intervene to bring about a ceasefire throughout the country"
Syria’s new leader, Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa, held "positive talks" with a Kurdish delegation on 30 December, according to an anonymous source speaking to news agency AFP.
Abdi expressed cautious optimism about the future. "We support the efforts of the new administration to ensure stability in Syria and pave the way for constructive dialogue between Syrians," he said. "It is up to the new leadership to intervene to bring about a ceasefire throughout the country."
Meanwhile, fighting persists in northern Syria between the SDF and Turkey-backed militias, particularly the Syrian National Army, which has gained significant ground in recent months, capturing the strategic city of Manbij on 9 December. Turkey accuses the SDF of ties to Kurdish separatist groups within its borders.
International focus
The shift in Syria’s leadership has also drawn attention from Western powers. Last Friday, the foreign ministers of France and Germany met with al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the first high-level meeting between European officials and Syria's new Islamist leader.
Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted the importance of "a peaceful and inclusive transition at the service of Syrians and regional stability". Annalena Baerbock echoed this sentiment, saying that the visit signals “a new political beginning” and expressing Europe’s willingness to support reconciliation and reconstruction efforts. However, she warned that Europe "will not finance new Islamist structures".
Barrot highlighted the importance of integrating the Kurds into Syria's emerging political framework. “A political solution must be found for France's allies, the Kurds, to fully integrate them into the political process that is starting today,” he said.
Europe "will not finance new Islamist structures"
He also called for the dismantling of chemical weapons stockpiles left by the Assad regime and proposed an international conference at the end of January to guide the political transition.
During their visit, Barrot and Baerbock toured the infamous Saydnaya prison, a symbol of mass repression under Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The ministers called attention to the prison’s history of inhumane conditions and human rights abuses, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the scars of the past while supporting Syria's path forward.
Syrian Democratic Forces commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi © PHOTO DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP
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