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Syria's SDF Says it Has Not Received Any Plans from US Forces to Withdraw

US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand guard at Al-Naeem Square, in Raqqa, Syria, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. (AP)
US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand guard at Al-Naeem Square, in Raqqa, Syria, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. (AP)
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Syria's SDF Says it Has Not Received Any Plans from US Forces to Withdraw

US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand guard at Al-Naeem Square, in Raqqa, Syria, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. (AP)
US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand guard at Al-Naeem Square, in Raqqa, Syria, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. (AP)

Syria's Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Wednesday the group had not received any plans from the US forces in northern and eastern Syria to withdraw.

"Of course, ISIS and other malicious forces are waiting for the opportunity of the US withdrawal to reactivate and reach the state of 2014," the SDF's spokesperson Farhad Shami told Reuters.

At the height of its powers in 2014, ISIS imposed a reign of terror over millions of people and claimed control over swathes of the combined territories of Iraq and Syria.

The US Department of Defense is developing plans to withdraw all US troops from Syria, NBC News reported on Wednesday, citing two US defense officials.

The US considers the Kurdish-led forces key allies against ISIS but neighbouring Türkiye regards them as a national security threat.

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France Renews ‘Unwavering Position’ on Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Sahara

French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI meet in October 2024. (MAP
French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI meet in October 2024. (MAP
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France Renews ‘Unwavering Position’ on Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Sahara

French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI meet in October 2024. (MAP
French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI meet in October 2024. (MAP

France on Tuesday underscored its “unwavering” position on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, in a statement released by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs following a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.

The statement reiterates the position expressed by President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI in his letter dated July 30, 2024, according to Morocco’s news agency, MAP.

Macron’s letter emphasizes that “for France, the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” while recalling the “unwavering nature of France’s position” and its commitment to “act consistently with this position at both the national and international levels.”

According to the French Ministry statement, Barrot stressed France’s “clear and consistent support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.”

He described it as “the only framework within which this issue should be resolved”, underlining that it is “the sole basis” for reaching a political solution.

Noting the “growing international consensus” in support of Morocco’s autonomy initiative, Barrot also stated that France intends to fully contribute to this momentum.

Moreover, France reaffirmed its commitment “to support Morocco’s significant efforts in promoting economic and social development” in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, highlighting the various measures taken in this regard and expressing its willingness to continue this dynamic.

The statement came hours after Bourita met with Barrot in Rabat. The officials vowed to bolster their cooperation and to deepen the “exceptional partnership” between their countries launched during Macron’s visit to Morocco in October.