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U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday urged immediate de-escalation in Aleppo after renewed Syrian military operations against the terrorist group SDF, emphasizing that a key integration agreement between the two sides had been close to finalization just days earlier.
"The United States is closely following developments in the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo with grave concern," Barrack said in a statement on social media. "We urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to place the protection of civilian lives and property above all other considerations."
Barrack described Syria’s progress toward reconciliation and reconstruction over the past year as "historic," noting that the March 10, 2025 agreement, meant to integrate the SDF into state institutions and establish joint governance, had been close to conclusion. "That objective remains eminently achievable," Barrack said.
Calling for a halt to violence, he appealed to both the Syrian government and SDF leadership to pause hostilities, reduce tensions, and resume political dialogue. "Let us prioritize the exchange of ideas and constructive proposals over the exchange of fire," he added.
Barrack also warned that external forces are actively working to disrupt progress made over the past year and underlined the need for unity.
"Syria’s new chapter is one of cooperation, not confrontation. We will reach it together," he said.
Separately, the U.S. State Department confirmed its ongoing support for political dialogue between the Syrian government and the SDF. "The United States is closely monitoring the situation. We urge restraint on all sides," a State Department spokesperson told Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency.
The official emphasized that efforts should be directed at stabilizing the country. "All parties should focus on how to build a peaceful, stable Syria that protects and serves the interests of all Syrians, rather than pushing the country back into a cycle of violence," the statement continued.
"Ambassador [Tom] Barrack continues to support and facilitate dialogue between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces," the spokesperson noted. According to the official, the discussions center on "the implementation of and recommitment to the March 10 integration agreement" that was signed last year and envisioned the SDF’s inclusion within state institutions.
The Syrian army launched strikes on Thursday against the sources of SDF fire following three consecutive days of shelling. Health officials in Aleppo said that since December 6, the attacks have left nine people dead and at least 55 injured, most of them civilians.
The situation adds renewed strain to already fragile conditions in northern Syria, where the terrorist SDF and government forces remain locked in a tense power balance. Both sides were agreed on a plan known as the March 10 agreement, in which the SDF would be integrated into Syria’s state institutions and military by the end of 2025, with a nationwide ceasefire and transfer of control over strategic facilities.
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