By Micah Jonah
January 23, 2026
The United States has urged both the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces to fully respect the ceasefire in northern Syria, adopt confidence-building measures to restore calm.
US envoy, Tom Barrack met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi and Kurdish politician Ilham Ahmed, stressing that upholding the truce is the first step to lasting stability.
The call comes after government troops seized key areas including Aleppo, Raqqa, and Deir Az Zor, taking control of oilfields, farmland, and jails holding ISIL prisoners. Under the truce, 150 detainees have already been sent to Iraq for prosecution.
SDF retains Hasakah and Qamishli, pending plans for remaining enclaves. Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.
Once a top US ally against ISIL, the SDF is losing influence as Washington deepens ties with Damascus. Barrack said their role “has largely expired,” highlighting a major shift in Syria’s power balance.
