U.S. urges restraint in Syria, backs Damascus-SDF dialogue
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. is closely monitoring developments in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo, Syria, and urging all parties to exercise restraint, stressing the need to avoid a return to violence, a U.S. Department of State official told North Press on Thursday.
The official said the United States is calling on the Syrian transitional government and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to focus on building a peaceful and stable Syria that protects and serves the interests of all Syrians, rather than pushing the country back into another cycle of conflict.
According to the official, the U.S. position emphasizes dialogue and de-escalation as key pillars for stability, particularly amid ongoing tensions and security challenges in several parts of the country.
The official added that U.S. Ambassador Thomas Barrack continues to support and facilitate dialogue between the Syrian government and the SDF, as part of efforts to reduce tensions and advance political understanding.
Washington has repeatedly stressed the importance of inclusive political solutions in Syria, warning that renewed violence would further undermine security and humanitarian conditions across the country.
Renewed clashes in Aleppo between the Kurdish-led Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and the forces of the Syrian government have deepened tensions in northwestern Syria, threatening fragile political arrangements and exacerbating humanitarian suffering.
The current escalation began on Jan. 6, 2026, when the Damascus-affiliated forces started shelling the Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, marking the most intense escalation in months between the two sides.
The SDF says government‑linked factions have besieged these neighborhoods and carried out sustained shelling, including tank fire and drone attacks. Local rights groups have reported heavy military deployments around the neighborhoods, raising fears of a wider offensive.
According to daily updates from the SDF and allied human rights observers, at least eight civilians have been killed and 52 wounded in the continued shelling. The casualty figures remain provisional as bombardment and confrontations persist.