Ragip Soylu/MEE: Turkey and SDF Hold First-Ever Direct Talks Under US Mediation

Historic dialogue marks a major shift in Ankara’s Syria policy as discussions focus on post-US withdrawal, Islamic State detainees, and military integration.

Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held direct, US-facilitated talks last week in what sources are calling a historic turning point in Syria diplomacy. The meeting reportedly focused on the future of northern Syria, the handover of Islamic State (IS) prisoners and camps, and integration plans for the SDF into a unified Syrian military under Damascus.

A First in Official Dialogue

According to sources speaking to Middle East Eye, the talks—attended by mid-level officials from both sides—mark the first formal and trilateral meeting involving Turkey, the SDF, and the United States.

While behind-the-scenes contacts between Ankara and the SDF had been rumored for over a year, this is the first time such a structured diplomatic format has come to light, suggesting an evolving regional strategy in the wake of the anticipated US military drawdown.

Shifting Alliances and the PKK Factor

The SDF, a key US ally in the fight against IS since 2014, remains controversial in Ankara due to its deep links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU.

Despite this, a PKK-announced ceasefire and disbandment process, initiated after a February call from its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan, has created new diplomatic openings. In March, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed an integration deal with Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa, pledging allegiance to the central government.

However, SDF-affiliated Kurdish political groups have since advocated for a federal Syria, a position Ankara adamantly opposes. Formal autonomy remains a red line for Turkey, though limited local governance may be tolerated.

From Skirmishes to Dialogue

Until recently, tensions between the SDF and Damascus included minor armed clashes near the Tishreen Dam. But recent signs point to confidence-building measures, including prisoner exchanges and joint inspections of IS detention camps.

Speaking to regional outlet Shams TV on Friday, Mazloum Abdi confirmed direct communication channels with Turkey, stating:

“We have direct ties, direct channels of communication with Turkey, as well as through mediators, and we hope that these ties are developed.”

Washington’s Quiet Role

A US State Department official declined to comment on the specifics of the meeting but confirmed American attention on the implementation of the March 10 agreement between the SDF and Damascus.

“Steps toward the peaceful integration of government forces and the SDF are encouraging signs of progress,” the official said.

US envoy for Syria and Turkey, Thomas Barrack, also signaled a shift. Speaking to Turkish broadcaster NTV, he warned that US protection of the SDF may not last:

“Unless there is a major change, the cooperation on our side will eventually disappear… So, there is great pressure for everyone to reach an agreement.”

Barrack confirmed that US military presence in Syria is being scaled down—from eight bases to five—with the eventual goal of retaining just one.

Autonomy vs. Local Control

Ankara sources told MEE that Turkey could tolerate limited Kurdish self-administration—including local security forces and municipal governance in Kurdish-majority regions. But formal recognition of Kurdish autonomy or federalism remains out of the question.

Meanwhile, speculation about a possible meeting between Abdi and a senior Turkish official—perhaps Foreign Minister or Intelligence Chief—was swiftly denied by Turkish foreign ministry sources after Al Monitor broke the story last week.

The Turkish government has not yet issued a public statement on the meeting. Middle East Eye has reached out for comment.

Thomas Barrack stated in a recent interview that US support for SDF will continue, which raised eyebrows in Ankara,  according to  independent Ankara sorrespondent Mr Murat Yetkin.

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