Kurdish National Council Withdraws from Turkey-backed Syrian Opposition Coalition

By Kardo Roj

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Kurdish National Council (ENKS) in Syria announced its official withdrawal from the Turkey-backed Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces (SNC), marking a significant political shift for Kurdish representation in the country.

The announcement was made by ENKS spokesperson Faisal Youssef on Friday following a high-level meeting in Qamishli. Youssef stated that the decision was made to prioritize direct negotiations with the new transitional government in Damascus.

A Shift in Kurdish Strategy

In a video statement posted on the council’s official Facebook page, Youssef emphasized the council’s commitment to engaging in dialogue with Syria’s new leadership.

“This step is taken to form a united Kurdish delegation, which will likely engage in negotiations with the new authorities in Damascus,” Youssef stated.

The move comes at a crucial time, as political factions in Syria reassess their positions following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Rupture with the Opposition Coalition

ENKS had been a member of the SNC since its formation in 2012. However, tensions have long existed between the Kurdish political body and the broader opposition due to differences over Kurdish autonomy and governance.

Late last month, former SNC leader Hadi al-Bahra congratulated Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, on assuming the presidency during the transition period. This gesture was seen by some Kurdish politicians as a sign that the SNC was no longer the main vehicle for opposition politics in Syria’s evolving landscape.

With ENKS’s departure, Kurdish political forces may seek new strategies to secure their role in Syria’s future governance, particularly amid ongoing power shifts and regional negotiations.