U.S. Shifts Support from Kurdish Forces to Syrian Government Amid Territorial Changes

In January 2026, the Syrian government, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, rapidly regained control over large swathes of territory previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This shift marks a significant turning point in Syria's ongoing conflict, which has seen the SDF, a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), lose much of its autonomy and influence. The U.S. has pivoted its support towards al-Sharaa's government, effectively abandoning the SDF, which had been instrumental in combating ISIS since 2015.

Rapid rollback of Kurdish-led forces reshapes Sharaa's SyriaWhy the US Won’t Be Coming to Its Longtime Ally’s Aid in SyriaTrump’s bet on Syria’s new leader faces pivotal pointSyrian army takes control of camp holding thousands linked to ISILHow Syria's Sharaa captured Kurdish-held areas while keeping the US onsideDamascus brings more of Syria under its control as US policy shifts

The SDF established a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria during the civil war, managing various local institutions and military forces. However, following al-Sharaa's rise to power in December 2024, the Syrian government began demanding the integration of SDF forces into the national military. Tensions escalated in early January 2026, culminating in a government offensive that captured key territories, including Raqqa and Deir al-Zour, and prompted the SDF to withdraw from several areas.

A US shift marked Kurdish-led forces’ fall from power in SyriaDamascus brings more of Syria under its control as US policy shiftsRapid rollback of Kurdish-led forces reshapes Sharaa's SyriaSyrian army takes control of camp holding thousands linked to ISILSyria’s army is dimming Kurds’ dreams of autonomy, as the US looks onSafe Passage Deal For Kurds In Syria Will Help Protect U.S. Forces There: Official

On January 20, 2026, a ceasefire was announced, giving the SDF four days to propose a plan for integration into the Syrian state. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack emphasized that the SDF's role as the primary anti-ISIS force had "largely expired," as the Syrian government was now positioned to take over security responsibilities, including the management of ISIS detention facilities. This marked a stark shift in U.S. policy, which had previously supported the SDF's autonomy.

Why the US Won’t Be Coming to Its Longtime Ally’s Aid in SyriaUS military starts moving Islamic State prisoners from Syria to IraqUS begins transferring ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq amid security transitionChaos in Syria sparks fears of ISIS prison breaks as US rushes detainees to IraqSafe Passage Deal For Kurds In Syria Will Help Protect U.S. Forces There: Official

As the SDF retreated, the U.S. military began transferring up to 7,000 ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. The first batch of 150 detainees was moved from Hasakah to secure locations in Iraq, with concerns about potential prison breaks amid the chaos. The transfer is part of a broader strategy to prevent a resurgence of ISIS and ensure regional stability.

U.S. Starts Moving ISIS Detainees From Syria to IraqUS begins transferring ISIL-linked detainees from Syria to IraqSyria’s army is dimming Kurds’ dreams of autonomy, as the US looks onUS begins transferring ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq amid security transitionChaos in Syria sparks fears of ISIS prison breaks as US rushes detainees to IraqUS begins transfer of IS fighters from Syria to Iraq

The SDF and Kurdish leaders have expressed feelings of betrayal by the U.S., which they believe has abandoned them after years of partnership. Kurdish officials have called for international support to protect their communities amid the Syrian government's advances. Critics argue that the U.S. decision to pivot support to al-Sharaa's government, which has a controversial past, could lead to increased instability and violence against Kurdish populations.

US envoy calls for Syria truce to be upheld

Tom Barrack stated, "The original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely expired," indicating a shift in U.S. priorities. Meanwhile, Kurdish leaders, including SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, have called for guarantees of protection for their communities, emphasizing the need for international support in light of the Syrian government's aggressive stance.

Why the US Won’t Be Coming to Its Longtime Ally’s Aid in Syria

The SDF faces a precarious future, with the potential for further territorial losses and increased pressure to integrate into the Syrian military. The ceasefire agreement provides a temporary reprieve, but the underlying tensions and distrust between the SDF and the Syrian government remain unresolved. The Kurdish population is left grappling with the implications of a diminished role in Syria's political landscape and the potential for renewed conflict.

Syrian and Kurdish forces agree to extend ceasefire as threat of war loomsSyria’s army is dimming Kurds’ dreams of autonomy, as the US looks onTrump’s bet on Syria’s new leader faces pivotal pointDamascus brings more of Syria under its control as US policy shiftsSafe Passage Deal For Kurds In Syria Will Help Protect U.S. Forces There: Official

While the U.S. has indicated a shift in support, Kurdish officials have reported ongoing violations of the ceasefire by Syrian forces, raising concerns about the sincerity of the government's commitment to integration and minority rights. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations as both sides navigate the complex dynamics of power in post-Assad Syria.

Syrian and Kurdish forces agree to extend ceasefire as threat of war looms

• “Everyone has abandoned us,” — Saleh al-Ali, resident of Kobani

They fought ISIS in Syria for years. Now U.S. allies say they've been abandoned.

• “The original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely expired.” — Tom Barrack, U.S. envoy to Syria

US considering withdrawing all its troops from Syria: Report

• “And we need to have international firm guarantees regarding protecting Kurdish people in our regions, and this can be done by many other countries, or the U.N. or any international party that can guarantee the protection and the security for our people.” — Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the SDF's political wing

Why the US Won’t Be Coming to Its Longtime Ally’s Aid in Syria

The future of the SDF and the Kurdish population in Syria remains uncertain as they navigate the shifting political landscape and the implications of U.S. policy changes.

Syria’s army is dimming Kurds’ dreams of autonomy, as the US looks on