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US envoy aligns with Türkiye on disarming SDF, integrating group into Syrian army: Columnist

Thomas J. Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye briefs media at the Foreign Press Centers of U.S. Department of State in New York City, United States, on Friday, July 11, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Thomas J. Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye briefs media at the Foreign Press Centers of U.S. Department of State in New York City, United States, on Friday, July 11, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 30, 2025 02:37 PM GMT+03:00

U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack held talks with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler in Ankara, focusing on the disarmament of the U.S.-backed SDF terrorist organization and their integration into the Syrian regime’s military structure, according to Turkish columnist Abdulkadir Selvi.

Selvi reported that the U.S. envoy expressed alignment with Türkiye’s stance on preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and transitioning the terrorist organization YPG/PKK-affiliated SDF into the ranks of the Syrian army.

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) and terrorist YPG-dominated SDF ringleader Mazloum Abdi signing an agreement, to integrate the institutions of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in the northeast into the national government, in the Syrian capital Damascus on March 10, 2025. (AFP Photo)
A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) and terrorist YPG-dominated SDF ringleader Mazloum Abdi signing an agreement, to integrate the institutions of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in the northeast into the national government, in the Syrian capital Damascus on March 10, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Türkiye insists that the SDF complete the integration process outlined in their March 10 agreement with the Syrian government. There is reportedly consensus on the issue between Türkiye, the U.S. and Damascus.

While speculation has circulated about possible military operations, the discussions were officially described as a courtesy visit by Barrack, with military intervention reportedly not on the agenda.

Ferhat Abdi Sahin, code-named Mazlum Kobani or also known as Mazloum Abdi one of the ringleaders of the terrorist organization YPG/PKK and the so-called commander of the SDF speaking in Syria on Dec. 6 2024 (AFP Photo)
Ferhat Abdi Sahin, code-named Mazlum Kobani or also known as Mazloum Abdi one of the ringleaders of the terrorist organization YPG/PKK and the so-called commander of the SDF speaking in Syria on Dec. 6 2024 (AFP Photo)

However, sources cited by Selvi suggest that military options remain on the table if the integration process fails.

"Türkiye is striving to complete the transition without military action, but if (terrorist ringleader) Mazlum Abdi resists, he risks losing U.S. backing," Selvi wrote.

"In that case, the only remaining option will be a comprehensive military operation. We’ll then see whether Israel can save him."

July 30, 2025 02:38 PM GMT+03:00
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