United States Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack called for an immediate cease of hostilities between the Syrian military and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Saturday, following a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
Barrack described the recent Aleppo clashes between the SDF and Syrian army as “deeply concerning” in a post on X/Twitter, warning that such “violence risks undermining the progress achieved since the fall of the Assad regime” in December of 2024.
“The Syrian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the March 2025 integration agreement with the SDF,” Barrack stated, explaining that the deal outlines a “framework for incorporating SDF forces into national institutions.”
Barrack additionally emphasized that the incorporation would be carried out “in a manner that preserves Kurdish rights and strengthens Syria’s unity and sovereignty.”
Urging both parties to return to dialogue and “exercise maximum restraint,” he added that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s team “stands ready to facilitate constructive engagement between the Syrian government and the SDF to advance an inclusive and responsible integration process.”
Barrack aditionally met with Jordanian officials
Earlier on Saturday, Barrack additionally met with Jordan's Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safad to discuss clashes in Aleppo and violence in the southern Syrian city of Sweida.
A statement released by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry announced that the two diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts to ensure a “peaceful withdrawal of the SDF from Aleppo” and ensure the safety and protection of civilians.
Safadi additionally underscored the importance of reaching a “comprehensive resolution to the situation in Sweida.” Safadi and Barrack both encouraged “joint efforts to implement the roadmap to end the crisis in Suwayda and stabilize southern Syria.”
James Genn and Tobias Holcman contributed to this report.