Negotiations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Islamist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime have stalled over the future of Kurdish-majority cities currently under Turkish occupation, including Afrin (Efrîn), Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê) and Tel Abyad (Girê Spî).
According to the Rojava Network, the disagreement now centres on whether HTS will allow the partial return of displaced Kurdish residents under the supervision of the Kurdish National Council (ENKS), or continue deferring the issue due to Turkish opposition to any Kurdish-led civil administration. A third scenario involves military escalation if talks break down entirely.
The talks are part of a broader understanding endorsed by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Muhammad al-Julani). While some provisions—such as those on eastern Syrian governance and resource-sharing—have seen movement, the issue of Kurdish cities remains unresolved due to Turkey’s control and demographic changes enforced by Turkish-backed militias.
Fawza Youssef a senior figure in the Autonomous Administration and co-chair of the committee negotiating with Damascus, confirmed that Afrin will be addressed after Eid al-Adha. “We will start with the Afrin file after Eid,” she said in a televised interview, adding that the Kurdish side has already formed its committee and is awaiting a date to begin formal discussions.
Youssef noted that the sides had agreed in Damascus to begin after the holiday, expected in mid-June 2025. However, the ability of HTS to deliver on the 10 March deal remains in doubt, with Ankara retaining effective control over northern Syria and veto power over any Kurdish political or humanitarian return.
