The landscape of the conflict in Syria has shifted significantly with the emergence of a recognized central government, signaling the end of the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) role as the primary ground partner against the Islamic State (IS). According to Thomas Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, this transition follows the government’s integration into the international coalition.
Following a previous press conference in Damascus on 16 September 2025, Barrack addressed the current situation via a post on X on Tuesday, 20 January. He stated that the Syrian reality has “fundamentally changed,” noting a Western pivot toward the central government. This new cooperation in the fight against “terrorism” has altered the original logic that underpinned Washington’s partnership with the SDF.
Agreement for Integration and US Priorities
The US envoy explained that the military presence of the United States in northeastern Syria was primarily framed as a counter-IS mission. While the SDF proved to be the most capable ground ally during the group’s 2019 defeat, they were also responsible for holding thousands of IS militants and their families in camps and prisons, such as al-Hol camp and al-Shaddadi Prison in al-Hasakah Governorate.
At that time, Barrack noted, there was no functional central state for Washington to engage with. He described the Assad regime as weak, contested, and an unsuitable partner due to its dependencies on Iran and Russia. However, the current Syrian government is now deemed ready and capable of managing security, including control over IS detention facilities and camps.
According to Barrack, the United States is actively assisting this shift through three main points:
- Intense diplomacy with both the SDF and the Syrian government to implement an integration agreement signed on 18 January, ensuring a peaceful transition.
- The deal involves incorporating SDF fighters into the national army as individuals—a point of significant debate—and the transfer of critical infrastructure like border crossings, oil fields, and dams to Damascus, along with the management of IS prisons.
- The US maintains it has no goal of a permanent military presence. Instead, Washington is focused on national reconciliation, unity, and the final defeat of IS remnants, without supporting federalism or separatism.
A Turning Point for Syria’s Kurds
Barrack described the current transition under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa as the most significant opportunity for Kurds in Syria’s history. He remarked that al-Sharaa has provided “a path” toward inclusion in a unified state, granting cultural protections, political rights, and citizenship that were long withheld under Bashar al-Assad.
The envoy highlighted the systematic discrimination, language restrictions, and statelessness Kurds endured under the previous administration. While acknowledging risks such as a fragile ceasefire, internal opposition, or the persistence of old grievances, Barrack emphasized that the US continues to push for guaranteed Kurdish rights and ongoing IS cooperation.
Security Concerns and Recent Prison Incidents
A major focus for the US remains the security of IS detainees currently guarded by the SDF. Barrack noted that Washington is facilitating talks to ensure a peaceful integration that leads to Kurdish political participation and full Syrian citizenship.
These comments come amid military friction between the SDF and the Syrian army in eastern regions, particularly al-Hasakah. During recent operations, the SDF reportedly withdrew from guarding detention centers and camps in the Raqqa and al-Hasakah governorates, most notably al-Shaddadi Prison and al-Hol camp.
The Syrian army’s Operations Command claimed the SDF abandoned al-Hol camp and released its inhabitants. In contrast, the SDF reported fierce combat with the Syrian army near the facility, which houses thousands of people linked to IS. Additionally, the government has taken control of al-Aqtan Prison in Raqqa following a siege and military engagement with SDF units.
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