After Palmyra attack, Turkey adds pressure for SDF deal with Damascus
The Islamic State attack that killed US personnel has deepened uncertainty over Washington’s Syria policy, pushing Ankara to accelerate efforts to integrate the SDF into the Syrian military.
The Islamic State attack near Palmyra that killed US personnel on Dec. 13 has sharpened uncertainty over Washington’s next move in Syria, prompting Ankara to increase pressure on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate with the Syrian military and avoid tensions with the United States.
The attack, which killed two US National Guard soldiers and an American civilian contractor and wounded several others, has heightened Ankara’s urgency to see the March 10 SDF-Damascus agreement implemented to stabilize northeastern Syria without triggering a new Turkish military operation or a confrontation with Washington, analysts say.
The attack near the central Syrian city of Palmyra took place during a joint patrol involving US personnel and Syrian forces, when a gunman opened fire. US officials have described the incident as an Islamic State-linked attack, underscoring the group’s continued ability to strike despite its territorial defeat.
Uncertainties rise
