SYRIA has complained to the United Nations over a recent US visit to the country’s north-east, denouncing it as “unlawful” and a violation of national sovereignty.

A US State Department delegation headed by Ethan Goldrich was welcomed at the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) headquarters in Hasakah province last week.

He met Mazlum Abdi, the SDF commander who reportedly lives in a US military base, and officials from the Syrian Democratic Council, the political wing of the Kurdish-led forces.

According to a statement, they discussed a number of issues including economic stability and human rights along with the continued military partnership in the region.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad however views the US as an occupying force.

And Mr Abdi has come under intense criticism for his closeness to Washington, which is accused of being a destabilising force in the region, looting its natural resources and supporting terrorist organisations.

The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) is also critical of Washington’s role and insists that the future for the region lies with Damascus, with co-chair Cemil Bayik speaking of the organisation’s “warm relations” with the Assad family.

Damascus said the visit took place without prior approval and in breach of the UN Charter and UN security council resolutions.

The Syrian government has raised the issue with the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and security council president Lana Zaki Nusseibeh.

“Syria voices its strong condemnation of such practices, reiterates its determination to establish full sovereignty over all its territories, liberate them from all forms of occupation, and exercise its right to defend the country and its citizens,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

Syria permanent representative to the UN Bassam Sabbagh slammed US hypocrisy following Washington’s statements expressing concern for the Syrian people as its illegal sanctions were causing widespread suffering in the country.