U.S. Diplomat Advocates Dialogue Between Syria and Kurds Post-Aleppo Violence

The United States diplomatic representative to Syria has called for renewed discussions between the Syrian government and Kurdish entities following recent violent confrontations in Aleppo.

On Saturday, diplomatic envoy Tom Barrack engaged in discussions with Syria’s President to evaluate the ongoing situation in Aleppo and to envision a stabilized future for the country.

Barrack shared on social media that President Trump recognized the current period as a crucial turning point for Syria. The vision is to foster a cohesive state where every group, including Arabs, Kurds, and multiple minority communities, is respected and involved in governance and security.

He further announced the U.S. intention to lift certain sanctions to facilitate Syria’s progress towards this unified vision.

The conflict erupted on Tuesday mainly in the Kurdish districts of Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh, and Bani Zaid, following a failed agreement between the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, a key Kurdish military organization, on integrating their troops into the national armed forces. The government succeeded in taking control of Achrafieh and Bani Zaid after intense fighting.

Over a five-day period, hostilities have left at least 22 individuals dead and many more injured.

Further tensions arose when two Kurdish combatants reportedly detonated explosives, surrounded by governmental forces, though no further damage was reported.

In a serious development, an explosive drone impacted the Aleppo Governorate building just after government officials concluded a media address, with no immediate reports of casualties.

State television broadcasted images of what was purported to be the drone attack, blaming Kurdish forces, though the Kurdish-led faction refuted these allegations, denying any targeting of civilian sites.

Impact on Residents and Displacements

Residents of the affected areas have been urged to remain indoors for safety as security operations continued in the neighborhood.

Many who had previously evacuated awaited permission to return home as military actions wound down.

Significantly, these skirmishes have displaced upwards of 140,000 civilians.

Allegations and Accusations

Amidst the conflict, each faction has blamed the other for instigating the violence and targeting non-combatants, accusing one another of damaging civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and emergency services.

The Kurdish autonomous administration has accused government forces of endangering patients using critical medical facilities as a front in the conflict. They urged global actors to intervene and halt government military actions.

State reports cited injuries among security personnel due to drone assaults, attributed to Kurdish fighter operations.

Calls for Peace and Continued Diplomacy

Barrack advocated for all involved groups to practice restraint, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and advocating for dialogue as a pathway to resolve and prevent external intrusions that may thwart Syria’s recovery.

Aligning with diplomatic efforts, Jordan, as mentioned by its state media, voiced support for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the contention involving the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from Aleppo, contributing to stabilizing the region.