CENTCOM commander urges halt to offensive actions in northern Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on Saturday issued a statement welcoming efforts to prevent further escalation in Syria and urging the Syrian government to halt offensive actions in key northern areas, amid ongoing tensions between Damascus and Kurdish‑led forces.
In a post circulated on the X social media platform, Cooper said: “We welcome ongoing efforts by all parties in Syria to prevent escalation and pursue resolution through dialogue.” He specifically called on Syrian government forces to cease any offensive actions in areas between Aleppo and al‑Tabqa, emphasizing that joint efforts are crucial in the broader fight against the Islamic State group.
The U.S. military commander also highlighted the importance of coordination with Syrian partners and coalition forces in maintaining pressure on ISIS, asserting that a peaceful Syria “at peace with itself and its neighbors is essential to peace and stability across the region.”
The statement comes as security tensions remain high across northern and northeastern Syria, with recent clashes reported between Syrian government units and Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) affiliates.
The call from Admiral Cooper aligns with ongoing international appeals for dialogue and de‑escalation. French and Kurdish regional leaders have also urged restraint in recent diplomatic exchanges, underscoring the need for negotiations to resolve disagreements between Damascus and regional actors.