US expresses support for Syria's new agreement with Kurdish-led SDF

The United States has expressed its support for a newly announced agreement between Syria's interim authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the autonomous Kurdish region into the country's national governance framework.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on March 11, which was published on the State Department's website, Caliber.Az reports.

“The United States welcomes the recently announced agreement between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the northeast into a unified Syria,” Secretary Rubio said, emphasizing the importance of unity in Syria's future governance. He further reaffirmed Washington's commitment to supporting a political transition that advocates for "credible, non-religious governance" as the key to preventing further conflict. "We will continue to watch the decisions made by the interim authorities," he added.

On March 10, Syria's acting President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced the agreement with the SDF leadership, signalling the beginning of a new chapter in Syria's national reconciliation. The terms of the agreement include the integration of key regions and assets, such as SDF-controlled border crossings, the airport, and oil and gas fields in eastern Syria, into the governance structures of Damascus.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US, have controlled a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria since 2015. The agreement stipulates a nationwide ceasefire and pledges support for the Democratic Forces of Syria in their fight against pro-Assad militants. It also recognizes the Kurdish people as an integral part of Syria, ensuring their right to citizenship and constitutional guarantees.

However, the precise constitutional status of the territory currently administered by the SDF remains unclear. It is yet to be determined whether it will retain any degree of autonomy. Given Syria's complex ethnic and religious makeup, the agreement may prompt demands from other groups for special status.

Meanwhile, Syria's Defence Ministry announced on Monday, March 10, that a military operation against supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad had concluded. More than 1,000 people, the majority of them civilians, were killed during the clashes.

On Sunday, March 9, al-Sharaa pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the recent violent clashes. He vowed to prosecute any individuals who had exceeded their authority in the conflict.

Al-Sharaa's office also confirmed the formation of an independent committee tasked with investigating the clashes and related killings by both sides. Abdul Ghani assured that security forces would fully cooperate with the investigation, providing unrestricted access to clarify events, verify facts, and ensure justice for victims.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 people were killed in just two days of fighting, including 745 civilians, 125 Syrian security personnel, and 148 fighters loyal to Assad.

By Tamilla Hasanova