The United States has called for a de-escalation of tensions in Syria as the Syrian army advances into Kurdish-held territory. This comes as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accuse the Syrian government of violating a withdrawal agreement.
In recent days, Syrian government forces have taken control of several key towns and oilfields in northeastern Syria, areas that were previously under the administration of the SDF. This move by the Syrian army has heightened tensions in the region and raised concerns about a potential clash between the two sides.
The SDF, which has been a crucial ally of the US in the fight against the Islamic State group, has condemned the Syrian government’s actions, stating that they are a violation of a previous agreement that was reached between the two sides. According to the SDF, the Syrian army’s advance is a “blatant attack” on the security and stability of the region.
“The Syrian regime’s attack on our areas is a blatant violation of the agreements we have reached,” said Mustafa Bali, a spokesperson for the SDF. “We call on the international community to intervene and stop this aggression.”
In response, the US has urged both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. In a statement, the US State Department said that it was “deeply concerned” by the Syrian army’s actions and called for “an immediate de-escalation of the situation.”
“We call on all parties to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions and lead to further bloodshed,” said the State Department spokesperson. “The United States remains committed to the security and stability of northeastern Syria, and we will continue to support our partners in the region.”
The current tensions in northeastern Syria are the latest development in the country’s long-running civil war, which has been raging since 2011. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.
Despite the efforts of the international community to broker a peace deal, the situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with various factions vying for control of different parts of the country. The latest clash between the Syrian army and the SDF is a stark reminder of the fragility of the situation and the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict.