Dialogue stalls as Syrian Democratic Forces await response from Damascus

Representatives of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stated that talks with the Syrian authorities are ongoing as part of efforts to implement the agreement reached on March 10.

The SDF said that despite continued engagement, no tangible progress has so far been made toward achieving political or military understanding between the two sides, Al Arabiya reports.

In a statement, the SDF disclosed that it had submitted a comprehensive proposal to Damascus outlining mechanisms for the force’s integration into the Syrian army and state institutions. However, they noted that the Syrian government has yet to provide a response.

Meanwhile, in a statement on December 15, the SDF said that “factions affiliated with the Damascus government are shelling the villages of Haj Hussein and Sheikh Mahshi, in addition to Syriatel Hill in the vicinity of the Tishreen Dam, using artillery and heavy weapons.”

“This constitutes a dangerous escalation, for which the Damascus government bears full responsibility, as it poses a direct threat to the security of the area, the lives of civilians, and vital infrastructure,” the statement said.

The SDF is the de facto army of northeast Syria (Rojava) and the main on-the-ground partner of the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). The Syrian government joined the coalition in November.

The SDF and Damascus have repeatedly traded accusations of attacks, despite ongoing talks to implement a March agreement to integrate Rojava’s civil and military institutions into those of Damascus. The talks stalled over disagreements on incorporating the SDF into the Syrian army but have since resumed.

The Kurdish-led administration in Rojava also continues to push for decentralization, a demand viewed cautiously by Damascus, though SDF officials have recently noted a more flexible tone from the transitional government.

By Vafa Guliyeva