US Envoy Tom Barrack meets SDF leaders to discuss ceasefire

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ERBIL, IRAQ — US Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader Mazlum Abdi and Foreign Relations Committee Co-Chair Ilham Ahmed to discuss the ongoing integration process and ceasefire stability.

Following the meeting held in Erbil on January 22, Barrack reaffirmed the United States' strong support for the integration process outlined in the January 18 agreement between the Damascus administration and the SDF. The envoy emphasized that full compliance with the current ceasefire is the most critical first step toward establishing trust and lasting stability. Despite a four-day ceasefire agreed upon on January 20, both the Damascus administration and the SDF continue to exchange accusations of violations in regions like Hasakah and Kobani.

Ongoing violations and regional instability

The ceasefire follows a period of heightened tension that began with clashes in Aleppo earlier this month. The Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that 11 soldiers were killed and over 25 wounded in SDF attacks on the first day of the truce. Conversely, the SDF claimed that pro-Damascus armed groups have continued their assaults on Kobani and Raqqa despite the agreement. Further casualties were reported on Wednesday following a drone strike in Hasakah that killed seven Syrian soldiers.

ISIS prisoner transfers to Iraq

Amid these regional shifts, the US military has begun transferring approximately 7,000 ISIS detainees from prisons in northeastern Syria to Iraq to prevent potential escapes. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that 150 ISIS members from Hasakah province have already been moved to "secure locations" in Iraq. Admiral Brad Cooper reportedly discussed these transfers with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara, stressing the importance of avoiding actions that could disrupt the secure movement of detainees.

Trump praises progress in Syria

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with the developments in Syria. After meeting with transition leader Ahmed Shara, Trump stated that they are making "tremendous progress" and noted that the removal of all sanctions has provided the administration with vital breathing room. The President expressed confidence that Shara would successfully navigate the remaining challenges facing the country.

www.wisenewspress.com

Source : BBC