SDF”s Abdi unveils key terms of Integration into Syrian Army

Shafaq News – Damascus

The Commander of the Syrian
Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, revealed on Thursday that its leaders
and fighters are set to receive senior positions within Syria’s Ministry of
Defense and military command, as part of an initial agreement to integrate the
SDF into the Syrian army.

In an interview with the
Associated Press, Abdi said the SDF’s experience in fighting ISIS would
“enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army,” adding that local police forces
in northeastern Syria would also be merged into Syria’s national security
apparatus.

He clarified that recent unrest
in al-Sweida and the Syrian coast had contributed to delays in implementing the
preliminary agreement.

The announcement follows several
rounds of negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian government, focused on
the future of the autonomous administration in northern and eastern Syria and
the status of SDF forces under any potential political settlement.

While Damascus has repeatedly
demanded the unconditional return of SDF-controlled areas to state authority,
the SDF has insisted on formal recognition of the autonomous administration and
the integration of its forces into a national military framework—while
preserving their organizational structure.

Abdi also noted what he described
as some flexibility in Turkiye’s stance on the integration of the SDF into the
Syrian army, adding, “If we, as Syrians, can reach an agreement, then Turkey
will have no justification to intervene.” 

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