French President Voices Concern Over Syria Escalation and Continuation of Offensive Conducted by Syrian Authorities

Britannica

French President Emmanuel Macron.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that he had held talks with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which he expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Syria and the continuation of military operations by Syrian authorities.

"I spoke this morning with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. I expressed to him our deep concern regarding the escalation in Syria and the continuation of the offensive conducted by the Syrian authorities," the French President said on X.

President Macron stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire to halt the violence and called for an agreement on integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian state. He said such an agreement should be based on discussions held in March.

“The unity and stability of Syria depend on it,” the French president said, underscoring France’s position that a political settlement and inclusive security arrangements are essential to ending the conflict.

Macron’s comments come amid heightened tensions and renewed fighting in parts of Syria, prompting international calls for de-escalation and a return to dialogue.

A phone call was held on Sunday, 18 January 2026, between General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa amid escalating military tensions in northern Syria.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the call focused on efforts to de-escalate the situation following a dangerous escalation targeting areas administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) by Interim Government forces and affiliated factions.

According to the SOHR, the escalation followed heavy clashes over the past 24 hours after Interim Government forces violated an agreement under which the SDF had begun withdrawing from the towns and villages of Dayr Hafir and Maskanah, west of the Euphrates.

Fighting has continued around the Tishrin Dam, east of Aleppo, the Observatory said.

The clashes have also spread to southern Raqqa and several areas of Deir ez-Zor, triggering the displacement of thousands of Kurdish families from areas under the control of the AANES towards cities and rural districts in Hasakah province.