US and UN Officials Address Syria Policy Amid Rising Attacks on Kurdish Forces

US and UN Officials Address Syria Policy Amid Rising Attacks on Kurdish Forces

WASHINGTON D.C., United States – Senior American and United Nations officials addressed Washington's deepening ties with Syria's transitional leadership Monday, as violence escalates between Kurdish-led forces and Damascus-aligned armed groups in eastern Syria.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended the recent lifting of sanctions against top Syrian officials, stating the move should provide the Syrian population with greater opportunities for progress. He described the current period as Syria's opportunity for achievement following the removal of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas al-Khattab from sanctions lists.

UN Emphasizes Damascus Responsibility for All Citizens

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric responded to questions about whether expanded international acceptance of Syria's transitional government correlates with increased assaults on the Syrian Democratic Forces. While noting that diplomatic recognition remains a bilateral matter between individual nations, he emphasized that Damascus bears responsibility for safeguarding all Syrian citizens.

The US Mission to the United Nations did not respond to inquiries Monday regarding potential links between Washington's diplomatic initiatives and the attacks targeting SDF positions.

Violence Intensifies in Deir ez-Zor Province

The SDF reported Sunday evening that Damascus-affiliated factions attacked one of its military posts in Deir ez-Zor province, causing serious injuries to one fighter. This incident followed a Saturday assault involving drones and explosive-laden unmanned aircraft against SDF locations, which prompted defensive fire from Kurdish-led units.

The Syrian Democratic Forces function as the primary security apparatus in northeast Syria and remain the main ground partner for the US-led international coalition combating the Islamic State. Syria's transitional government formally joined this coalition earlier this month.

Diplomatic Breakthrough Between Washington and Damascus

President Sharaa conducted a historic meeting with President Donald Trump earlier this month at the White House, representing the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the Oval Office. The US Treasury Department had removed both Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab from its terrorist designations shortly before the meeting.

Washington additionally rolled back multiple sanctions in June aimed at facilitating Syria's reconstruction efforts, signaling a major transformation in American policy toward Damascus.

Negotiations Continue on Military Integration

The escalating hostilities in Deir ez-Zor occur as the SDF and Damascus authorities pursue discussions on executing a March accord to incorporate Kurdish-led forces into Syria's national military structure. SDF representatives recently indicated the transitional government has shown more flexibility in negotiations, though no definitive agreement has been reached.