U.S. Envoy to Syria Holds Phone Call With Kurdish SDF Commander Amid Renewed Diplomatic Activity
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack held a phone call with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi on Thursday, according to a report published Friday by the U.S.-based outlet Al-Monitor, citing informed sources.
While the precise contents of the conversation were not officially disclosed, sources told Al-Monitor that Barrak reaffirmed Washington’s continued support for the SDF in its ongoing efforts to combat the Islamic State (ISIS) in northeast Syria. The call came as the U.S. continues its mediation role in de-escalation talks between the SDF and Turkey, aimed at reducing tensions along the border regions.
The reported call followed Barrack’s visit to Damascus on Thursday, where he met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara’ and other senior officials. This marks a rare occurrence of direct engagement between U.S. officials and the Syrian government amid broader regional efforts to ease hostilities and improve coordination on security matters.
According to the Al-Monitor report, the phone conversation occurred as Turkey’s stance toward the SDF appears to be softening following years of direct confrontations and attacks targeting critical infrastructure and urban centers in northeast Syria.
Regional sources cited by the same report indicated that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan—or alternatively, the head of Turkish intelligence—proposed a framework for preliminary meetings between Kurdish figures from northeast Syria and Syrian government officials in Damascus. These efforts are reportedly part of a broader push to explore avenues for de-escalation and potential dialogue.
While no official statement has been issued by the U.S. Embassy in Syria regarding the Barak-Abdi phone call, its timing coincides with planned diplomatic meetings in the Syrian capital. Sources said that the outcome of these discussions may determine whether a future meeting between Abdi and senior Turkish officials will take place.
The U.S.-led coalition has long worked alongside the SDF in northeast Syria to maintain security and stability in areas once held by ISIS. The SDF, backed by the U.S. and operating under the civilian administration of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), continues to play a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations across the region.
The status of the de-escalation talks and any upcoming meetings involving regional actors remain under development. Further official comments are expected as diplomatic efforts progress.