Rubio Welcomes Integration of US-Backed Syria Democratic Forces Into New Syrian State

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has welcomed the announcement of an agreement integrating Syria’s Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria’s government.

SDF is a US-backed coalition of armed Kurdish groups controlling a significant portion of northeastern Syria. 

The agreement reportedly exchanges recognition of Syria’s Kurdish minority as “an integral part of the Syrian state” for SDF’s relinquishing control over certain border posts, airport, and key oil and gas fields. 

“The United States welcomes the recently announced agreement between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the northeast into a unified Syria,” said Secretary Rubio.   

Officiated by interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, SDF’s and Syria’s agreement comes as Syria transitions into a new government after decades of rule under dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The US, alongside myriad Western states, are hopeful Syria’s new government will be democratic and respectful of fundamental human rights. 

“The United States reaffirms its support for a political transition that demonstrates credible, non-sectarian governance as the best path to avoid further conflict,” continued Rubio. 

SDF’s integration into Syria, given the former’s US support, could enable broader engagement between the US and Syria’s new government, including military, diplomatic, and economic cooperation. 

Earlier this week, for example, SDF and US forces jointly executed various counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K. 

However, Rubio warned the US is watching with “concern” recent deadly violence perpetrated by some Syrian government forces against minorities. 

“The United States stands with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, including its Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities, and offers its condolences to the victims and their families,” said Rubio. “Syria’s interim authorities must hold the perpetrators of these massacres against Syria’s minority communities accountable.”