Syrian army prepares offensive against Kurdish towns as SDF withdraws

DAMASCUS, Jan 15 — Syrian government forces are preparing to attack towns held by Kurdish fighters in the north and east, aiming to pressure autonomy-seeking Kurds into concessions during deadlocked talks, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced it would withdraw its forces from contact lines east of Aleppo on Saturday, a move welcomed by Syria's defence ministry.

The Syrian military earlier stated its shelling had begun against militia bases linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

A senior military official said as many as five Syrian army divisions could join an offensive targeting Kurdish-held towns.

If the tactic fails, Syria's army is considering a full-scale campaign that could end Kurdish semi-autonomy.

The United States has urged both sides to avoid a showdown and return to negotiations, with US envoy Tom Barrack saying Washington was working to prevent escalation.

SDF representative Abdel Karim Omar stated the group is against any military confrontation due to its grave risks and said efforts were underway with foreign mediators to revive talks.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused the SDF of obstructing US policy and taking orders from the PKK, saying it had taken no practical steps to implement last year's integration pact.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that the use of force is an option for the Syrian government if dialogue fails.

If fighting spreads to Deir el-Zor, it could draw in local Arab tribes who complain of marginalisation, with Shayesh al-Mulhem, a leader of the Jabbour tribe, saying it was awaiting orders from Sharaa to turn against the SDF.