ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - President Masoud Barzani and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack spoke by phone on Friday, discussing the latest developments in Syria, including escalating tensions in Aleppo, according to a statement from Barzani’s office.
“During the call, views were exchanged on the political situation in the region and in Syria, as well as the latest developments and tensions in Syria and the city of Aleppo,” the statement from Barzani Headquarters said, adding that “both sides stressed the need to make every effort to prevent the continuation of tensions and unrest, to restore normal conditions, and to take serious steps toward achieving security, stability, and peace.”
Earlier in the day, Barzani, who is the president of the Kurdistan Region’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), also held a phone call with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which he stressed Kurdish rights, inclusion, and the need to preserve social peace in Syria.
The call with Barrack came after Barzani on Wednesday warned of a “serious threat” to civilian lives in Aleppo and cautioned against “the danger of ethnic cleansing against Kurds in that area.” He urged Damascus “not to turn political disagreements into ethnic conflict” and warned against pressure, displacement, or “ethnic cleansing against Kurdish citizens.”
The escalation comes despite a landmark agreement reached in March between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) establishing a nationwide ceasefire. Talks between the two sides are ongoing, but the latest round, held on Sunday, failed to produce tangible results, according to Syrian state media.
Barrack on Thursday urged restraint and called to “place the protection of civilian lives and property above all other considerations,” expressing Washington’s hope for a Syria that “ensures full inclusion and equal rights for every citizen” regardless of ethnicity or religion.
A ceasefire brokered by France and the United States collapsed early Friday. The Syrian army had prepared buses to transport Kurdish fighters to SDF-held areas in northeast Syria (Rojava), but the Kurdish forces, also known as Asayish, refused to hand over control of the area, citing a lack of trust in Damascus’ treatment of Kurds.
Fighting resumed Friday afternoon, with the Asayish reporting several failed attempts by the army to advance.