In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Türkiye and YPG/PKK-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held direct U.S.-mediated talks last week, discussing the fate of IS detainees, the SDF’s integration into the Syrian army, and local governance in post-Assad Syria.

This first formal dialogue follows February’s call by imprisoned leader of terrorist organization Abdullah Öcalan to dissolve the group. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi—rumored to be Öcalan’s adopted son—signed a deal with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in March pledging the SDF’s integration into the national military.

Despite these developments, the SDF and other Kurdish factions have called for a federal system in Syria—a demand Ankara opposes firmly.

Erdogan’s Red Lines: Autonomy and the PKK

Türkiye’s government has made it clear that any move toward formal Kurdish autonomy remains a red line, even as it tolerates limited municipal governance and security structures in Kurdish-majority regions.

Ankara also insists the SDF’s PKK ties remain problematic, though U.S. sources say disbandment and integration efforts could soften Türkiye’s stance.

U.S. Pressure and Base Withdrawals

Thomas Barrack, U.S. envoy for Türkiye and Syria, said Washington is encouraging a negotiated settlement as it draws down its military footprint in Syria—from eight bases to just one. “Unless there is a major change, our cooperation will disappear,” Barrack warned, signaling an end to U.S. protection.

The talks also addressed prisoner swaps and IS camp inspections, suggesting early confidence-building steps between the SDF and Damascus.

Abdi: “We Have Direct Ties with Turkey”

Mazloum Abdi confirmed the dialogue publicly: “We have direct channels of communication with Turkey… and we hope that these ties are developed.” The meeting included mid-level officials, with a U.S. proposal for Abdi to meet a Turkish cabinet minister reportedly under discussion.