On Thursday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi, along with an accompanying delegation, in Erbil to discuss the ongoing conflict in Syria.

During the meeting, Barzani underlined that it is important to maintain the ceasefire announced by Damascus on January 20 and based on the SDF-Damascus agreement of January 18 in order to reduce tensions and ensure the immediate resumption of talks between the SDF and Damascus. 

He underscored the importance of protecting the rights of Kurds and all communities within a unified Syria.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Heavy clashes between the Syrian interim government forces and the SDF have been taking place in northeastern and northwestern Syria since January 6. Government troops have cut off the town of Kobani and seized some areas in the Hasakah Governorate, including the al-Hol camp, which hosts thousands of ISIS families. They have also taken over previously SDF-held areas in Raqqa and Deir ez Zor.

In his remarks, SDF Commander Abdi expressed gratitude to President Nechirvan Barzani and the Kurdistan Region for their contributions, support, and endeavors to stabilize the situation and address the challenges at hand. 

He further emphasized their commitment and willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the issues, grounded in the rights of the Kurdish people within a unified Syria.

The threat of the resurgence of ISIS and its impact on security and stability in Syria and the region in general was another topic of their discussion. During the clashes, several ISIS prisoners and their families have reportedly escaped in al-Hol and the city of al-Shaddadah.

Furthermore, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack also met with SDF Commander Abdi and Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

“The United States reaffirmed its strong support for and commitment to advancing the integration process outlined in the January 18 agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government,” Ambassador Barrack posted on X.

“All parties agreed that the essential first step is the full upholding of the current ceasefire, as we collectively identify and implement confidence-building measures on all sides to foster trust and lasting stability.”

“The support of the United States and President Trump’s policy for the ceasefire are of utmost significance and greatly appreciated,” SDF Commander Abdi posted on X.