Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi in Erbil on Jan. 22, 2026, to discuss developments in Syria, efforts to sustain the ceasefire and risks linked to a resurgence of ISIS.
President Barzani, Mazloum Abdi discuss Syria crisis and ceasefire efforts
ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Thursday with Syrian Democratic Forces Commander Mazloum Abdi to discuss the latest developments in Syria, including ceasefire efforts, dialogue with Damascus and concerns over the possible reemergence of Islamic State.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Barzani said he is continuing contacts with “all concerned parties” to help sustain a ceasefire, contain tensions and support the “immediate resumption of dialogue” between the SDF and the Syrian government. He stressed the importance of “ensuring and protecting the rights of the Kurds and all communities within a unified Syria.”
The meeting comes as security conditions in northeastern and southeastern Syria have deteriorated following the collapse of a ceasefire and integration agreement between Syria’s transitional authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Renewed clashes have erupted around several towns and detention facilities, including prisons holding thousands of Islamic State detainees, raising fears of escapes and a possible regrouping of the group. Syrian government forces and allied armed groups have advanced into areas previously under SDF control, while curfews, security sweeps and displacement have been reported in parts of Hasakah, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zour governorates, heightening regional and cross-border security concerns.
In a post on X, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack said he met in Erbil with Syrian Democratic Forces Commander Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed. “We were honored to meet today with General Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed,” Barrack wrote. He added that “the United States reaffirmed its strong support for and commitment to advancing the integration process outlined in the January 18 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government.” Barrack said all parties agreed that “the essential first step is the full upholding of the current ceasefire,” as they work to “identify and implement confidence-building measures on all sides to foster trust and lasting stability.”
Full statement:
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the situation in Syria. President Nechirvan Barzani affirmed the continuation of his efforts and contacts with all concerned parties to sustain the ceasefire, contain tensions, and immediately resume dialogue between the SDF and Damascus. He also reiterated the importance of ensuring and protecting the rights of the Kurds and all components within a unified Syria.
For his part, alongside reviewing the latest developments, Mazloum Abdi expressed his thanks and appreciation for the role and support of President Nechirvan Barzani and the Kurdistan Region and their efforts to calm the situation and resolve problems. He affirmed their readiness and desire for a peaceful solution to issues on the basis of guaranteeing the rights of the Kurdish people within a unified Syria.
The risks and threats of the reemergence of ISIS and their impact on the security and stability of Syria and the region in general were also another topic of the meeting.