Sharaa’s Meeting with SDF Leadership Focused Solely on Military Matters

The Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, at a press conference following the opposition’s capture of Aleppo in early December 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
The Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, at a press conference following the opposition’s capture of Aleppo in early December 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
TT
20

Sharaa’s Meeting with SDF Leadership Focused Solely on Military Matters

The Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, at a press conference following the opposition’s capture of Aleppo in early December 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
The Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, at a press conference following the opposition’s capture of Aleppo in early December 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat). 

A representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated that the recent meeting between the SDF leadership and the new Syrian administration in Damascus addressed only military issues. Bassem Ishak, head of the SDC’s Washington office, described the discussions as positive, focusing on operational coordination and shared concerns.
Since opposition forces entered Aleppo late last year, SDF leaders have maintained direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to protect Kurdish communities and other residents in areas like Tal Rifaat and the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo. Ishak emphasized that the coordination between the SDF and the “Operation Room to Deter Aggression” has been ongoing since December 8, covering military operations and field developments.
This meeting marked the first between SDF leaders and Ahmed Al-Sharaa since the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad. It comes amid continued clashes between Kurdish fighters and Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria, particularly around Ain al-Arab (Kobani) and Tal Rifaat, areas now under Turkish control.
Ishak clarified that the SDF had not attended a broader meeting between Al-Sharaa and opposition factions last year due to military circumstances but noted that this recent encounter was official and amicable, signaling progress in dialogue. He added that the green Syrian flag would soon be raised in all areas under SDF control.
The SDF, backed by the US and international coalition, continues to control significant territories in northern Syria, including parts of Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor. Ishak expressed optimism about a unified Syrian flag flying across all regions, including those under Turkish occupation.



Houthis in Yemen Say They Won’t End Support for Gaza

 Houthi supporters chant slogans during a weekly anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP)
Houthi supporters chant slogans during a weekly anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP)
TT
20

Houthis in Yemen Say They Won’t End Support for Gaza

 Houthi supporters chant slogans during a weekly anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP)
Houthi supporters chant slogans during a weekly anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP)

A top leader of the Iran-backed-Houthi militias in Yemen said they will keep up their support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip until Israeli “aggression stops, and the siege is lifted.”

“Our operations in support of Gaza will not cease, no matter the sacrifices,” said Mahdi al-Mashat in a statement Wednesday.

The Houthis are the last militant group in Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” that is capable of regularly attacking Israel.

They have been firing long-range missiles at Israel in the months since it resumed the war in Gaza, setting off air raid sirens but generally causing few casualties. They have also been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.