SDF, US-led coalition discuss future of Tishreen Dam

Rudaw Net

19-04-2025

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, met with a delegation from the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) at Tishreen Dam on Friday, according to Ronahi TV. The SDF is in talks with the Syrian government over control of the dam, which has been under attack by Turkish-backed militias for months.
In their meeting, which took place behind closed doors, Abdi and the Americans discussed the condition of the dam and a reported ceasefire, according to the TV station that is close to the SDF.
Tishreen Dam, located on the Euphrates River in northern Syria, has been the target of a military campaign launched in November by Turkey and the Syrian militias it backs seeking to gain control of the key location to gain easier access to other SDF-held areas.
Civilians from northeast Syria (Rojava) have staged frequent protests at the dam, condemning attacks on the site. More than 20 civilians have been killed in drone strikes during their demonstrations.
Ronahi TV reported that Abdi and Rohlat Afrin, commander of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), an all-woman Kurdish armed group operating under the SDF, delivered a speech to a crowd at the dam, thanking them for their efforts to stop the attacks and disclosing some details about their negotiations with Damascus.
Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria are currently in talks with the new government in Damascus regarding control of the strategically significant dam.
Abdi, in an interview with Al-Monitor this week, outlined the framework of the talks.
'There are two parts to the Tishreen accord. The first concerns the dam itself. We have agreed with Damascus for the administration and personnel of the dam to be preserved as is,' Abdi said, noting that the current staff will run the dam for the time being due to their experience.
On the military front, 'Our sides are going to withdraw to our side, to the east, and hand over our positions to Damascus forces. We are currently positioned eight kilometers away from the dam,' he said, adding that Damascus' forces will act as a buffer between SDF and Turkish-backed militias.
While the area surrounding the dam remains a hotspot of conflict, the dam itself has not come under direct attack for the past several weeks and workers have used this lull to carry out essential repairs to damage caused by previous strikes.