News|Syria's WarUS president praises Syrian leader al-Sharaa after offensive against SDFUS president praises al-Sharaa, who is due in Moscow on Wednesday to meet Russian President Putin, following Syrian army’s offensive against Kurdish-led SDF.
The United States has acknowledged recent developments in Syria following an offensive by the Syrian army against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had previously received support from Washington. US President Donald Trump expressed…
The United States has acknowledged recent developments in Syria following an offensive by the Syrian army against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had previously received support from Washington. US President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with the situation in Syria, following a discussion with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East.
A statement from the Syrian presidency highlighted President al-Sharaa's commitment to maintaining Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The statement also emphasized the importance of international collaboration to prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups, including ISIL (ISIS).
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with President Trump, indicated that a significant issue had been resolved in partnership with Syria, although specific details were not disclosed. The SDF announced on January 18 that its forces had withdrawn from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, following the Syrian army's offensive. This move elicited varied responses from the local populace.
The United States has acknowledged recent developments in Syria following an offensive by the Syrian army against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had previously received support from Washington.
The US had previously supported the SDF as a primary anti-ISIS force. However, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that the group's role had "largely expired," with the Syrian government assuming security responsibilities. Additionally, Syria has joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 90th member, marking a significant transformation in the region's dynamics.
Initial reactions to the US's policy shift regarding the SDF included questions from within Trump's Republican Party. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested reinstating sanctions on Syria in response to the offensive but later acknowledged Trump's efforts in restoring stability. The Kremlin announced that President Putin and President al-Sharaa would discuss bilateral relations and the current Middle East situation in their upcoming meeting.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
