On April 16, Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus to discuss advancing the integration of the SDF into state institutions, following a January agreement. The talks come amid shifting control in eastern Syria, including government moves to secure key bases and border crossings after a US withdrawal.

Battles between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have continued to intensify despite a US-mediated ceasefire agreement. The latest clashes have involved drone strikes, rocket and artillery fire, and suicide bombings.
