Washington Seeks to De-escalate Tensions Between SDF and Syrian Government, Officials Warn of “Targeting the Kurds”
Welat TV- Erbil
A number of U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States remains intensively engaged in the Syrian file, warning against any military escalation targeting Syrian Kurds and stressing the importance of protecting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their pivotal role in defeating ISIS.
The U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, said on Friday, January 16, 2026, that Washington remains in close contact with all parties in Syria and is working around the clock to reduce tensions, prevent escalation, and resume integration talks between the Syrian government and the SDF, in an effort to achieve stability and avoid further violence.
For his part, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed growing concern over the new Syrian government’s alignment with Turkey to launch military operations against Syrian Kurds, describing SDF as the strongest ally of the United States in the fight against the terrorist organization ISIS in Syria.
Graham pointed out that the SDF are holding about 9,000 of most dangerous ISIS prisoners, stressing that preventing these detainees from returning to the battlefield is vital to U.S. national security.
He added that he supports giving the new Syrian government a fair chance, but warned that escalating attacks on the Kurds by Syrian forces supported by Turkey would create a whole new dynamic.
Graham also affirmed that there is broad and deep support in the United States to confront such steps, warning that Washington would not be comfortable at this stage with the Syrian army or Turkey assuming responsibility for guarding ISIS prisoners instead of the Kurds.
Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone said that credible reports indicate Syrian forces, alongside Turkey, may advance toward U.S. allies, the Kurds, in northern Syria, expressing deep concern over these developments.
He added that any further attacks on these forces, which played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS and remain a key ally of Washington, are unacceptable, calling for an immediate de-escalation.
Gregory Meeks, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, also expressed deep concern over the situation in Aleppo, calling for urgent de-escalation.
He stressed that all displaced civilians must be allowed to return to their homes and that food and basic supplies must reach Syrian Kurdish areas in need. He also emphasized the necessity of protecting all Syrian components and ensuring their full representation in the new Syrian government.
This unified U.S. position reflects growing concern over developments on the ground in Syria, emphasizing the priority of protecting allies, preventing the resurgence of ISIS, and advancing political solutions that ensure stability and security for all Syrians.