Syrian Tensions Rise Amid Kurdish Integration Talks Collapse

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed hope that Syria can avoid military conflict with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. His comments came amid stalled efforts to integrate Kurdish-administered regions into the state structure.

Despite the March agreement that signaled progress, actions on the ground tell a different story. Talks have collapsed, escalating regional tensions and sparking new skirmishes between government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Ankara has grown wary of Kurdish moves and hinted at military action, viewing the SDF as a terrorist threat. Turkish-backed rebels have reinforced positions while U.S. envoys urge faster implementation of the integration deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)