US Congress official urges de-escalation, recommitment to March 10 agreement
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Jeanne Shaheen, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed on Thursday deep concern about recent violence in Aleppo and the risk of a wider escalation, calling on the Syrian government to de-escalate, investigate reported violations and resume stalled negotiations.
In an official statement, Shaheen said, “I’m deeply concerned by recent violence in Aleppo and the risk of wider escalation. The Syrian government must de-escalate, investigate violations and resume talks. I urge the SDF to recommit to negotiations and finalize integration under the March 10 agreement.”
Her remarks underscore mounting international apprehension over clashes between government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) elements in and around the flashpoint city. Recent confrontations — which include an exchange of fire and a government declaration of parts of eastern Aleppo as a closed military zone — have heightened tensions and displaced civilians according to regional sources.
The March 10 agreement, signed last year between Syrian transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander General Mazloum Abdi, envisages integration of the SDF into national institutions and wider political reconciliation. Yet implementation has lagged amid mistrust and ongoing security concerns.
Shaheen’s call also reflects broader U.S. congressional engagement in Syrian affairs. As a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she has been involved in discussions on Syria’s political transition, sanctions relief and stabilization efforts. Earlier statements with other senators highlighted bipartisan interest in influence over measures impacting Syria’s future.
In her appeal, Shaheen emphasized that de-escalation and renewed talks are essential to prevent further civilian suffering and to advance the implementation of existing agreements. The SDF, supported by U.S. forces in its longstanding counter-terrorism role, remains a key security actor in northeast Syria, where it coordinates with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).