The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held direct talks with Türkiye under American sponsorship to discuss several key issues, including prisons housing ISIS members, according to a report by the U.S.-based website Middle East Eye.
On Tuesday, June 3, the site quoted sources described as well-informed, stating that “the SDF and Türkiye held direct talks last week about the future of Syria, facilitated by the United States.”
According to the sources, the two sides discussed the U.S. military withdrawal from Syria and the transfer of control over prisons and camps where ISIS members and their families are held.
The meeting, attended by mid-level officials from both sides, also addressed the possible integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into a future Syrian army under the command of Damascus.
The SDF currently controls vast areas in northeastern Syria and has partnered with the U.S.-led international coalition in the fight against ISIS since 2014.
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On March 10, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and the head of Syria’s transitional phase, Ahmed al-Sharaa, signed an agreement to integrate both military and civilian institutions in northeastern Syria into the Syrian state.
However, on May 31, the SDF publicly denied receiving any offer for a meeting between its commander, Mazloum Abdi, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the SDF said reports about a Turkish proposal for such a meeting, whether with the foreign minister or the head of Turkish intelligence, were inaccurate.
Separately, last week, The Monitor reported that U.S. envoy to Syria Thomas Barak held a phone call with General Abdi.
Citing informed sources, the website stated that the U.S. envoy reaffirmed Washington’s continued support for the SDF in the fight against ISIS and urged Abdi to remain engaged in de-escalation talks with Türkiye under American mediation.
Regarding Washington’s role in the talks between the SDF and Türkiye, Middle East Eye quoted a U.S. State Department official on Tuesday as saying, “The United States does not comment on private diplomatic talks.”
The official added, “The United States is following up on the implementation of the March 10 agreement with the SDF and how to crystallise its details,” noting that “the steps toward peaceful integration between Syrian government forces and the SDF are encouraging indicators of progress.”
Last week, a delegation from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria arrived in Damascus to discuss implementing the March 10 agreement with a committee from the transitional government.
Brigadier General Ziad al-Ayesh, a member of the government committee tasked with finalising the agreement with the SDF, told the official Syrian News Agency (SANA) that the discussions with the Autonomous Administration delegation were marked by “positivity and mutual concern for the national interest.”
He emphasised that both sides expressed a commitment to constructive dialogue and continued cooperation in a manner that serves Syria’s unity and sovereignty and fulfils the aspirations of the Syrian people for security and stability.
