Thomas Barrack, the United States envoy to Syria, has declared that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are no longer the primary ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State (IS). This shift follows the emergence of a recognized central authority in Damascus that has joined the global coalition against the extremist group.
A Fundamental Shift in Syrian Security
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, 20 January, Barrack explained that the landscape in Syria has “fundamentally changed.” He highlighted a pivot in Western strategy toward the Syrian government, noting that collaboration with the U.S. on counter-terrorism has redefined the necessity of the SDF partnership. While the SDF was once the most capable ground force, particularly during the 2019 defeat of IS, the context has evolved.
Previously, the Assad regime’s weakness and its ties to Russia and Iran made it an unsuitable partner, leaving a vacuum the SDF filled by managing facilities like al-Shaddadi Prison and al-Hol camp in al-Hasakah Governorate (northeastern Syria). However, Barrack stated that the Syrian government is now both prepared and capable of managing these security responsibilities, including the oversight of IS detention centers.
Transitioning Responsibility to Damascus
The U.S. is currently facilitating a transition of power rather than maintaining a separate role for the SDF. Barrack outlined three primary components of this strategy:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Intensive discussions with the Syrian government and SDF leaders led to an integration agreement signed on 18 January, establishing a timeline for peaceful transition.
- Military and Resource Integration: The deal involves incorporating SDF fighters into the Syrian army on an individual basis—a point Barrack noted as highly sensitive. It also requires handing over essential infrastructure, such as border crossings, oil fields, and dams, along with the transfer of prisons and camps holding IS affiliates to Damascus.
- Strategic Priorities: Barrack emphasized that Washington has no interest in a permanent military presence. Instead, the focus remains on the final defeat of IS remnants and fostering national unity, explicitly rejecting federalism or separatist movements.
A Historic Opportunity for Syrian Kurds
The envoy characterized the current political climate under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as “the greatest opportunity available to Kurds in Syria.” Barrack noted that al-Sharaa has provided “a path” for Kurds to gain full citizenship, political representation, and cultural safeguards—rights that were suppressed under the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad. He recalled that many Kurds previously endured systematic discrimination and were denied legal status or the right to use their language.
Despite ongoing risks like fragile ceasefires and potential escalations by hardliners, the U.S. continues to advocate for Kurdish rights. Currently, American efforts are focused on securing IS detainees and aiding negotiations to ensure Kurds are included as full citizens in a unified state.
Prison Security and Military Developments
These remarks follow a period of heightened tension and military clashes between the Syrian army and the SDF in eastern regions, specifically al-Hasakah. During these operations, SDF forces reportedly withdrew from guarding detention sites like al-Hol and al-Shaddadi Prison.
The Syrian army’s Operations Command claimed the SDF vacated al-Hol camp and released those held inside, while the SDF countered by citing intense combat with the army near the camp. Meanwhile, in Raqqa, the government has successfully seized al-Aqtan Prison following a siege and direct engagement with SDF forces.
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