US pushes Damascus talks on SDF integration and oil coordination
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) –
The United States is preparing to convene a high-level meeting in Damascus between the Syrian government and representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), aimed at discussing sensitive issues including the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and oil sector governance.
A well-informed source told North Press on Thursday that the meeting is expected to take place in the coming days and will include participation from US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command.
The source confirmed that the agenda will focus on the mechanism for incorporating the SDF into the Syrian national military structure, alongside discussions on oil management, state institutions, border crossings, and the status of Qamishli International Airport.
On Wednesday, North Press learned that a new round of negotiations is scheduled to take place “soon” between the Syrian transitional government and the SDF, aimed at implementing the terms of the March 10 agreement.
Speaking to Syria TV, the source emphasized that Washington is actively facilitating the meeting to ensure the full implementation of the March 10 accord. The US aims to prevent any military escalation between the Syrian government and AANES, while promoting the formation of a joint counterterrorism force to combat the Islamic State (ISIS), in coordination with and supported by the Global Coalition.
The March 10 agreement, brokered with US involvement, outlines steps toward de-escalation and cooperative security arrangements between the Syrian government and the SDF, which has played a central role in maintaining stability and countering extremist threats in northeast Syria.