Kurdish factions in Syria are facing significant challenges as they strive to preserve the political gains achieved during 13 years of war. After the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad on December 8th and the takeover of Damascus by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with close ties to Turkey, the balance of power in the country has shifted markedly to the detriment of the Kurds.
The Kurds, an ethnic group without a state of their own, spanning Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Armenia, were among the few winners of the Syrian conflict. They controlled nearly a quarter of the country and led the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key United States (U.S.) ally in the fight against the Islamic State. However, recent changes are jeopardizing their position.
Turkey, which views Kurdish factions as a national security threat due to their ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has intensified its military campaign against the SDF following Assad’s ousting. Turkish forces and groups known as the Syrian National Army (SNA) captured the city of Manbij on December 9th, and clashes in northern Syria continue. Ankara insists that all PKK and People’s Defense Units (YPG) elements withdraw from Syria, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanding that foreign powers cease their support for Kurdish fighters.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of HTS and Syria’s new de facto leader, emphasized that his administration seeks to unify Syria under a central authority. He acknowledged Turkey’s concerns over the presence of non-Syrian Kurdish fighters and stated that Syria must not pose a threat to neighboring countries. Sharaa also declared that “weapons must be in the hands of the state” and signaled readiness to negotiate a peaceful resolution with the Kurds.
Fanar al-Kait, a senior official in the Kurdish administration, stated that the fall of Assad, whose nationalist Ba’ath Party oppressed Kurds for decades, opened the possibility for Syrian unification. However, he cautioned that Ankara harbors “very bad intentions” toward Kurdish territories, which could trigger new conflicts. Kait reaffirmed the Kurds’ commitment to a democratic and decentralized Syria where all citizens are equally represented.
SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi revealed that contacts have been established with HTS to prevent conflicts but warned that Turkey is attempting to sow discord between Damascus and the Kurdish administration. For the first time, Abdi acknowledged the presence of PKK fighters in Syria, stating that they assisted in combating the Islamic State but would withdraw if a truce with Turkey is reached.
U.S. officials are mediating a ceasefire between the SDF and Turkish-backed forces, though Kurdish leaders claim that Ankara is not honoring the agreement. Washington continues to support the SDF as a crucial ally against the Islamic State, but the advent of Donald Trump’s new administration introduces uncertainty. During his previous term, Trump attempted to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria but faced pushback from allies.
Ilham Ahmed, a senior Kurdish official, warned Trump in a letter that Turkey is planning an invasion of northeastern Syria, threatening to destabilize the region. She urged Trump to prevent a “catastrophe” and safeguard the region’s stability.
Despite these challenges, the SDF retains support from international partners, including the U.S. Abdi stated that this is an opportunity for the Kurds to participate in a new political phase in Syria but stressed the need for a comprehensive end to hostilities. Kurdish leaders remain optimistic about safeguarding their achievements and ensuring a stable future for their communities, N1 writes.
