U.S. envoy Barrack visits northeast Syria for talks with SDF commander
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack announced on Monday that he visited areas in northeast Syria, where he held what he described as “substantive discussions” with General Mazloum Abdi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Barrack’s visit marks the first of its kind by a U.S. envoy to regions administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The visit comes at a politically sensitive time as international attention refocuses on the Syrian conflict and efforts to stabilize the region.
In a post on the X platform, Barrack said, “I visited northeast Syria today accompanied by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.” He added, “We held substantive discussions with the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi.”
According to Barrack, the visit carries “significant momentum for President Biden’s vision of giving Syria a chance by empowering Syrians to unite in a renewed effort for peace and shared prosperity.”
The meeting underscores Washington’s continued engagement with local partners in the fight against terrorism and in supporting security and stability in areas liberated from the Islamic State (ISIS). The SDF, backed by the U.S.-led Global Coalition, has been instrumental in maintaining security across northeast Syria and preventing a resurgence of extremist activity.
Over the years, the Autonomous Administration has worked to establish a decentralized governance model in coordination with local councils, emphasizing coexistence and regional stability. The latest high-level U.S. visit signals ongoing diplomatic and military cooperation between Washington and its partners in the region.
No additional details were provided about the topics discussed during the meeting. However, sources familiar with regional developments suggest that issues of counterterrorism cooperation, local governance, and humanitarian access were likely on the agenda.
Barrack’s visit comes amid renewed tensions in northern Syria, where Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) continue to operate in areas outside AANES control. Meanwhile, the SDF remains focused on security operations aimed at protecting civilians and countering extremist threats.
The U.S. envoy’s statement emphasized his country’s commitment to “a unified and peaceful Syria,” reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and its partners in the region.