Media: Syrian Kurds given 30-day deadline by US, Türkiye To finalise Damascus deal

The US and Türkiye have given the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) a 30-day ultimatum to finalise integration with the Syrian government or face unspecified consequences, sources told Middle East Eye.

The demand follows a deal signed in March between SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which outlined terms for fully incorporating the SDF and its associated institutions into the Damascus-led government, Caliber.Az reports. 

However, implementation has reportedly stalled, with Kurdish factions insisting on retaining autonomy and a distinct military structure rather than submitting fully to the Syrian Ministry of Defence.

Sources say US and Turkish frustration has grown, and during a meeting in Syria last week, officials from both countries told the SDF that delays would no longer be tolerated. According to one source, the SDF was informed that only certain units would be integrated into the Syrian army, while others would be disarmed. The source added that ultimate control would remain with Damascus.

Syrian authorities are said to be especially reluctant to absorb the YPJ, the SDF’s all-women military units, which are seen as ideologically tied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

US Ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, has made Washington’s position clear in several recent interviews, stating that the United States supports a single Syrian state with a unified military.

Speaking in New York earlier this month, Barrack said, “We’ll bring you together, we’ll arbitrate, we’ll mediate, we’ll help, but we’re not going to stick around. If you guys don’t agree, then don’t agree, but we’re not going to be here forever as the babysitter and the mediator.” He also warned the SDF that failure to resolve with Damascus could lead to “other alternatives”.

Turkish officials at last week’s meeting backed this position and urged the SDF not to misuse the goodwill shown by Damascus, Ankara and Washington by continuing to delay the talks.

Tensions in Syria have been heightened by recent Israeli air strikes on Damascus, following violent clashes in Suwayda province between Druze and Bedouin groups. Turkish officials fear the instability could embolden the SDF to press harder for autonomy, particularly as the Syrian government faces criticism over its handling of the Suwayda unrest and allegations of rights abuses against the Druze population.

Despite this, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his government’s full support for President al-Sharaa, stressing that Türkiye remains committed to Syria’s territorial integrity. During a visit to Northern Cyprus over the weekend, Erdoğan told reporters that the firm stance taken by al-Sharaa in response to the Suwayda crisis should send a clear message to the SDF that there will be no concessions in disarmament negotiations.

At the same meeting, Turkish officials reportedly requested intelligence from the YPG on tunnel systems built along the Turkish border and weapons stockpiles allegedly hidden in civilian areas.

While Ankara and Washington are increasing pressure, US officials suggest that progress remains possible. Barrack, who held a phone conversation with Mazloum Abdi over the weekend, said he believed there could be a breakthrough “in the coming weeks” and downplayed fears that the Suwayda violence would derail the process.

A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that talks between the SDF and Damascus remain active.

“We support the continuation of these discussions as the best way to resolve any outstanding issues,” the official said.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev