Rohilat Efrin, a senior SDF official, explained why the negotiations broke down:
- Ceasefire signed: SDF leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to a ceasefire to stop fighting.
- Integration dispute: The March 2025 deal allowed three divisions of SDF soldiers to join the Syrian army, but not the entire force.
- Damascus demands: In the latest meeting, Syrian officials ordered the SDF to evacuate Hasakah and Kobani, lay down arms, and join the army individually.
- SDF response: Efrin said this would destroy 13 years of Kurdish self-rule, so they refused.
The meeting included Syria’s President Ahmed al-Shaara, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, Foreign Minister Assad Shaybani, intelligence officer Hussein Salami, and US envoy Tom Barrack.
ISIL’s Status in Syria
The SDF still controls prisons holding 9,000 ISIL fighters.
- Background: ISIL declared a caliphate in 2014, committing atrocities in Syria and Iraq.
- Defeat: The group lost territory in 2019 but sleeper cells remain active in deserts.
- Challenge: Syria faces ongoing threats from ISIL alongside clashes with Israel in the south.
Humanitarian Crisis in Raqqa
The SDF accused Syrian forces of cutting off water at al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa.
- Impact: Severe shortages of water, food, and medical supplies.
- Violations: The SDF says this breaks humanitarian standards and endangers detainees.
- Appeal: They called on international organisations to intervene urgently.
China’s Call for Peace
China urged all sides to seek dialogue and a national reconstruction plan.
- Message: Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said peace and stability must come quickly.
- Goal: Political reconciliation through negotiation.
- Hope: A plan that serves the Syrian people’s interests.
Fighting in Kobani
The SDF reported clashes south of Kobani at 3am local time.
- Attacks: Two assaults by Damascus-backed forces.
- Outcome: SDF repelled both, destroying military vehicles and killing Syrian soldiers.
- Situation: Escalation continues, though no new flashpoints have appeared elsewhere.
- Ceasefire fading: Optimism from the truce is quickly disappearing.
Qatar’s Support
Qatar praised US mediation efforts.
- Statement: Doha welcomed the ceasefire and backed Syria’s unity.
- Financial aid: Qatar and Saudi Arabia pledged $15m to settle Syria’s World Bank debt.
- Role: Gulf states are central to diplomatic outreach since Assad’s ouster in 2024.
Rebuilding Deir Az Zor
The city of Deir Az Zor, on the Euphrates River, is starting to rebuild.
- Infrastructure: Authorities built a temporary bridge after 14 were destroyed.
- Damage: 90% of the city was ruined during years of war.
- History: ISIL controlled the city until the SDF took it in 2017.
- Current status: Syrian government administrators have moved in, working from a hotel.
