Fear of Turkish strike pushes Syrian Democratic Forces back to talks with Damascus

Amid escalating regional tensions, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have signaled a return to political dialogue with the Syrian government, driven largely by concerns over an imminent Turkish military strike.

Mazloum Abdi, the SDF’s leader—representing the group linked to the PKK/YPG—has resumed discussions focused on Syria’s territorial unity and the re-establishment of government institutions in the southeastern provinces, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

Abdi adopted a noticeably softened tone toward Damascus, marking a shift following violent clashes in As-Suwayda and a series of Israeli attacks. This shift comes amid increasing pressure from Ankara, which has intensified diplomatic efforts to ensure the SDF’s integration into the Syrian state framework.

Just one day prior to Abdi’s statements, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler met with US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack. Reports from Turkish media detailed Ankara’s push to persuade Washington to support measures on the ground to facilitate the agreement’s implementation. Following a formal request from Damascus, Türkiye has begun supplying the Syrian army with armored vehicles and ammunition to bolster its defensive capabilities.

Ankara’s growing apprehension stems from the ongoing movement of PKK leaders from Iraqi territory into Syria despite the group’s declaration to lay down arms—a development that threatens to derail full compliance with the SDF-government accords.

Despite official affirmations of commitment to Damascus, the SDF’s actions suggest a more ambivalent stance. The group continues constructing fortifications in multiple eastern Aleppo areas, supports the As-Suwayda Military Council backed by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, and actively seeks alliances with tribal leaders in Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor provinces to solidify local autonomous governance.

Underlying these maneuvers is the SDF’s palpable fear that the Trump administration may authorize a limited Turkish military operation aimed at dismantling its leadership structures. This prospect has compelled the SDF toward increased political concessions as a strategy to mitigate military losses amid the stark power imbalance with the Ankara-Damascus alliance.

By Vafa Guliyeva