WASHINGTON D.C. — On behalf of our Syrian American Community, the undersigned organizations are deeply alarmed by the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) ongoing attacks on civilian neighborhoods in and around Aleppo and northern Syria.
These operations have targeted populated areas, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries, and large-scale displacement. Entire families have been forced to flee under shelling and intimidation — conditions disturbingly reminiscent of the Assad era that Syrians fought for more than a decade to escape. Equally troubling, the SDF continues to oppress and terrorize remaining populations, cutting off Aleppo’s water supply, holding civilians hostage in their own neighborhoods, and using hospitals and mosques as military facilities— a war crime that puts vulnerable populations directly at risk.
In the past week, the SDF’s actions have reflected a troubling pattern of escalation, most notably by conducting a drone strike on a government building in a manner eerily reminiscent of ISIS tactics. The SDF has also attempted to assassinate three ministers of the Syrian government, led intimidation campaigns against civilian leaders in Raqqa, and tore down the Syrian flag in a deliberate effort to undermine national unity and state authority.
These actions violate the most basic principles of international law and are directly at odds with U.S. interests as they risk destabilizing Syria and allowing extremist groups to exploit the chaos.
While the United States has previously partnered with the SDF on a shared counterterrorism mission, today’s reality is fundamentally different. The SDF is no longer acting as a responsible partner, but rather as a destabilizing armed force whose conduct is increasingly indistinguishable from the extremist forces it once claimed to oppose.
As recent reports indicate the SDF’s use of US-origin weapons in civilian areas, we are deeply concerned that continued U.S. support would enable further malign behavior that violates international humanitarian law and U.S. policy commitments to civilian protection. We also firmly oppose the use of American taxpayer dollars to fund attacks on civilians. Given the United States’ long-standing partnership with the SDF in the fight against ISIS, Washington retains unique diplomatic leverage. Therefore, we respectfully urge the Trump Administration and Congress to:
- Demand an immediate investigation into SDF attacks on civilian areas
- Condition all U.S. engagement with the SDF on strict compliance with civilian-protection standards
- Use U.S. diplomatic leverage to prevent the SDF from obstructing Syria’s national reunification and security integration process
- Require full transparency on how U.S. assistance, intelligence, and protection are being used
- Reassess whether continued political or military backing aligns with America’s values and strategic interests
The Syrian people have endured unspeakable suffering. As Syria enters a new era of rebuilding, the last thing civilians need is another armed actor replicating the same patterns of repression and violence that devastated their country.
Signatories:
American Coalition for Syria (ACS)
Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA)
Syrian American Council (SAC)
Rahma Worldwide
