US CENTCOM Commander Kurilla holds talks with PKK/YPG terror group in Syria

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla held discussions with members of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization during his recent visit to Syria, according to a statement released by CENTCOM’s social media account on X.

The statement detailed Kurilla’s meetings with U.S. commanders and soldiers stationed at various Syrian bases, as well as members of the PKK/YPG terror group.

Discussions centered on force protection, the evolving situation on the ground, and efforts to prevent Daesh from capitalizing on the current instability.

Listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S. and the EU, the PKK is responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, babies and the elderly, in its 40-year campaign of terror against Türkiye. YPG is PKK’s offshoot in Syria.

Syria after fallen Assad regime

Clashes between armed Syrian opposition groups and Bashar al-Assad’s forces escalated on November 27. From November 30 to December 7, opposition forces took control of key cities, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, and Homs.

By December 7, opposition groups entered Damascus with strong public support, leading to the regime’s collapse. Bashar al-Assad fled the capital, marking the end of the Ba’ath Party’s 61-year rule.

Meanwhile, the Syrian National Army launched its “Dawn of Freedom Operation” in December, liberating Tel Rifaat from PKK/YPG control on the first day. The operation also saw the successful liberation of Manbij, dismantling the largest PKK/YPG stronghold west of the Euphrates River.