Direct Talks Between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
June 3, 2025, 5:10 pm

USA/Turkey

Direct Talks Between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mediated by the United States:

**Discussing Withdrawal, Prison Transfers, and Integration of Forces**

Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recently held direct negotiations under U.S. mediation aimed at addressing sensitive issues related to the political and security future in northeastern Syria. This is considered a rare step and comes as part of international efforts to de-escalate tensions and find peaceful solutions to the Syrian crisis.

**Objectives of the Negotiations**

The talks primarily focused on several key points, including:

1- The Future Presence of U.S. Troops in Syria:** The two sides discussed the ongoing role of American forces in Syrian territory, the possibility of a gradual withdrawal, and ensuring the security of areas occupied by the international coalition forces, particularly those involved in fighting ISIS.

2. Transfer of Prisons and Camps:** Discussions covered phases of transferring control over prisons and camps housing ISIS fighters and their families, especially amid international concerns about potential re-entry into hostile activities. This issue is among the most sensitive, with Turkey and other parties calling for strict security measures to prevent prisoner escapes.

3. Integrating the SDF into the Syrian Army:** One of the proposed plans involved integrating SDF forces into the new Syrian national army as part of efforts to unify military institutions, aiming to incorporate many fighters from Kurdish and Arab groups, thereby establishing lasting security and stability in the region.

**Level of Participation and Coordination**

According to sources, mid-level officials from both sides attended these negotiations. This is considered unusual, as most negotiations typically involve senior leaders or multiple mediators. The presence of these officials indicates an intent by both parties to gradually advance the negotiation process and create conducive atmospheres for future agreements.

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**Background and Surrounding Conditions**

These developments come amid escalating international, especially American and Turkish, pressures on both sides to seek political and diplomatic solutions to Syria’s ongoing war—particularly following recent escalations in northwest Syria and increased security threats as ISIS reorganizes in some areas. This complicates the regional and international landscape.

Additionally, the talks occur amid heightened tensions between Turkey and the Kurds, especially after Turkish military operations in areas controlled by the SDF, and Ankara’s opposition to any form of integrating the SDF into the official Syrian forces, citing national security concerns.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
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Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”