News of a possible agreement to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army and strengthen state sovereignty in the northeast Syria

Northeastern Syria witnessed a significant development on the political and security levels following a meeting that included representatives of the so called Autonomous Administration, the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Syria Democratic Council (SDC).

News of an agreement that was reached to integrate the SDF into the structure of the Syrian army, while reactivating the civil and service institutions affiliated with the Syrian state in the region.

According to media sources, the agreement also includes the withdrawal of foreign fighters from the ranks of the SDF and from the areas of the north east Syrian, as part of efforts to strengthen national sovereignty and restore stability.

Mechanisms were also agreed upon for the return of the displaced to their homes and securing a suitable environment for their lives.

The attendees stressed the need for continuous coordination with the Syrian government and the establishment of joint committees to develop executive plans to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement.

In a move to consolidate relations, an official invitation was extended to President Ahmed al Sharaa to visit northeastern Syria, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s unity and address pending issues.

For his part, the commander of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi, stressed in his statements, the openness of the SDF to cooperate with Damascus, and stressed the importance of national dialogue to end the state of division.

Abdi added, “the SDF is ready to expel foreign fighters and hand over the ISIS detainees’ issue to the Syrian government, as part of negotiations aimed at restoring security and stability”.

Abdi pointed out that protecting the region and fighting terrorism is a national responsibility that requires coordination between all parties, adding that there are points of agreement with Damascus, with some issues remaining under discussion.

These developments come at a time when negotiations are ongoing between Damascus and the SDF to reach a formula that guarantees the end of the latter’s control over the region, while the Syrian government rejects the idea of ​​integrating the SDF as an independent entity within the army.

In this context, Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra told the Washington Post that the solution in the region would be diplomatic, not military, stressing that the government is working to regain control of Syrian territory through peaceful means.

Despite the progress in the negotiations, a final agreement has not yet been reached, as issues such as recognition of local components and the formula for integrating the SDF into the Syrian army remain points of contention.