Rojava Leadership Reaffirms Strategic Alliance with US Amid Escalating Pressures

Rojava Leadership Reaffirms Strategic Alliance with US Amid Escalating Pressures

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) on Thursday officially reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the United States. The statement comes as top Kurdish officials expressed gratitude for the robust support voiced by influential US senators following the recent military escalation in Aleppo and growing threats to Kurdish-held territories.

Elham Ahmed, Co-chair of the Department of Foreign Relations for the DAANES, publicly thanked Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch and Senator Lindsey Graham for their stance against "egregious acts" committed during the siege of Kurdish neighborhoods. "Your clear messages give us hope that our partnership and sacrifices will not be forgotten," Ahmed stated, emphasizing that the alliance remains vital during what she described as the Region's "darkest hours."

The administration highlighted that while it remains committed to a peaceful political transition in Syria, it will not accept a process that comes at the expense of the Kurdish people or the security structures they built while fighting alongside the US-led Coalition against ISIS.

Washington Issues Strong Warnings Against Further Escalation

The reaffirmation follows a series of sharp warnings from Washington directed at the Syrian interim government and other regional actors. Senator Jim Risch expressed "grave concern" over reports of human rights violations in Aleppo, particularly the mistreatment of a Kurdish female fighter, urging the new authorities in Damascus to safeguard the rights of all citizens rather than infringing upon them.

Senator Lindsey Graham amplified these concerns, stating he had received "credible reports" of Syrian army forces and potential Turkish involvement advancing against Kurdish positions. Graham warned that any "brazen attack" against Kurdish allies would prompt a "strong response" from the United States, concluding with a direct message to Damascus and Ankara: "Choose wisely."

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) also weighed in, with Admiral Brad Cooper urging all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the fragile security environment.

New Tensions East of Aleppo: "Closed Military Zones"

While the immediate fighting in Aleppo city has transitioned into a uneasy ceasefire and the evacuation of some security elements, new frontlines are emerging to the east. The Syrian army’s Operations Command recently designated the towns of Deir Hafer and Maskanah—currently held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—as "closed military zones."

Damascus has demanded that all "armed groups" in this region withdraw east of the Euphrates River. This area is of immense strategic importance as it serves as a logistical gateway between Aleppo and the Raqqa province. Reports indicate that the Syrian army has begun moving reinforcements, including air defense batteries and artillery, toward the Deir Hafer front.

The DAANES has characterized these movements as a "declaration of war" and a breach of the integration agreements reached in March 2025. As both sides report skirmishes and drone activity near the village of Humaymah, the international community continues to push for a return to dialogue to prevent a wider regional conflict.