The U.S. views merging the YPG/PKK-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with Syrian government forces as key to establishing a more stable and predictable security landscape, the head of CENTCOM said Wednesday.
Speaking virtually at the Washington-based Middle East Institute’s Syria conference, Adm. Brad Cooper noted the March 10 agreement for integration and that Washington "stands ready to support” ongoing talks, including through recent engagements in Damascus.
"SDF, successful integration with the Syrian government forces will lead to a more predictable and stable security environment,” he said, about the group that is dominated by the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terror group.
"The United States and Syria have a shared interest in preserving peace and stability across the Middle East,” he added.
Cooper outlined three core lines of effort for CENTCOM, including the "aggressive pursuit” of Daesh in Syria, supporting the integration of the SDF, which is dominated by the YPG terror group and coordinating with Damascus to reinforce counterterrorism operations.
