Syria Denies SDF Deal, Says Talks Are "Suspended"

Syria's government has denied reaching any new agreement with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It also stated that all communication with the group is currently halted. The statement came from Deputy Information Minister Ahmad Dawa. He directly contradicted recent media reports suggesting a new deal was near. The SDF controls major oil and gas fields in northeast Syria. Any agreement between the two sides would be a significant shift in the country's long-running conflict. The Syrian government views the SDF, whose main component is the Kurdish-led YPG, as separatists. Damascus has long stated its goal is to retake full control of all Syrian territory. With communications officially "suspended," the path to any negotiated settlement for the resource-rich region appears blocked.