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US Facilitates SDF Integration into Damascus Government Amid Sectarian Violence, Welcomed by Turkey and Rubio

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Updated Mar 13, 2025, 01:14 AM

The United States played a crucial role in facilitating an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the interim government in Damascus, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters. The deal, signed on Monday, aims to integrate the SDF into the Syrian national framework, potentially easing tensions in northern Syria amid uncertainties about the future of U.S. military presence in the region. General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the SDF, was flown to Damascus on a U.S. military aircraft to sign the agreement with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The agreement seeks to address the integration of Kurdish-led forces and regional governing bodies into the Syrian state, although specific details on how this will be achieved remain unclear. The agreement comes at a time when both parties face significant pressures. The interim government in Damascus is dealing with the aftermath of sectarian violence, which had delayed the agreement, while the SDF is engaged in conflicts with Turkey-backed Syrian groups. The deal is seen as a step towards stabilizing the region and preventing further conflict. The U.S. has deep ties with Syria's Kurdish groups, developed over a decade of fighting Islamic State. Amidst renewed focus on U.S. troop deployment since President Donald Trump's return to power, the Pentagon has begun planning for a potential withdrawal from Syria, though no immediate signs of such a move have been reported. General Michael Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, helped push the SDF towards the deal. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement, and Turkey has also welcomed it, with the Syrian presidency working to address pending issues between the SDF and Turkey.

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