Improved Atmosphere in SDF–Damascus contacts and renewed proposal for the integration into the Syrian Army
Recent developments indicate a noticeable easing of tensions between the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus, alongside renewed discussions on integrating the SDF into the Syrian army as a unified bloc rather than as individual fighters.
A recent meeting between the US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, and representatives of the SDF was significantly less tense than a previous meeting held days earlier in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani, reflecting an improvement in the overall atmosphere between the parties.
A phone call took place on Wednesday between Shaibani and SDF commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi, with no further details were disclosed, sources described the call as smooth and constructive.
Given that the SDF has traditionally viewed Shaibani as a hardliner in dealings with it, this communication is considered a notable development and a potential breakthrough.
Meanwhile, a four-day truce currently in place has been unofficially extended; In parallel, Barrack is expected to hold meetings with Syrian leaders to discuss a list of civilian and military appointments proposed by Abdi, including the position of deputy defense minister, a post that Abdi himself won’t assume.
It was reported that the idea of the SDF joining the Syrian army as a complete bloc has been raised again.
Under this proposal, the SDF would be restructured into three military divisions within the Syrian army, led by Kurdish officers.
This arrangement would allow the force to preserve its internal cohesion while operating under the official Syrian military framework.
Mazloum Abdi has publicly confirmed the SDF’s commitment to pursuing real integration while maintaining the ceasefire.
In a statement posted on his Facebook account, he said that he held a constructive and fruitful meeting in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with Tom Barrack and Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command.
Abdi welcomed US support for the ceasefire process, citing the policy of US President Donald Trump and Tom Barrack’s efforts to revive dialogue and negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian government.
Abdi stressed that the SDF will work with all capabilities, and seriously, to achieve real integration and maintain the current ceasefire.
In a separate post, he revealed that he had also received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed support for the ceasefire efforts and for a return to dialogue and negotiations in Syria aimed at reaching a lasting solution that serves the broader interests of the region.
Abdi added that the call included discussions on implementing recent agreements between the SDF and the Syrian government, as well as the need to protect the rights of Syria’s various components.
