SDF commander-in-chief: The SDF agreed with the Syrian government on the integration mechanism

The commander-in-chief of the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, revealed a preliminary agreement with the Syrian government regarding a mechanism for integrating his forces into the unified Syrian army.

Abdi confirmed that the SDF includes tens of thousands of fighters, in addition to thousands of members of the internal security forces, which makes it possible to join as a cohesive group rather than as individual members, according to the Syrian Ministry of Defense’s standards.

He pointed to the formation of a joint committee comprising officials from both sides, including the Minister of Defense, to establish clear mechanisms to govern the integration process.

He expected that SDF commanders and fighters would assume leadership positions within the Syrian army, given their extensive military experience, which would strengthen the army.

Several meetings took place between Mazloum Abdi and senior Syrian officials, including interim President Ahmed al Sharaa and the ministers of defense and foreign affairs.

These meetings resulted in a preliminary agreement establishing a new phase of cooperation between the SDF and the Syrian government.

Abdi believes that implementing this agreement will contribute to resolving many of the outstanding issues left behind by the civil war, which has been ongoing for more than 14 years.

Abdi explained that the recent wave of sectarian violence in the coastal areas and Swaida, where civilians were killed by pro-government gunmen, has raised concerns among residents of northeastern Syria and affected their willingness to move forward with the implementation of the peace agreements.

Abdi noted that progress and full implementation of the agreement would prevent a recurrence of such incidents and enhance security and stability.

The SDF calls for a decentralized system of governance that grants broader powers to regions and governorates within the framework of a unified state, while the central government fears this will undermine Syria’s unity.

Abdi emphasized that implementing the March agreement means integrating all civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria under a single central authority based in Damascus, which will limit foreign interference, especially Turkish interference.

On October 7, Ahmed al Sharaa met with Mazloum Abdi in Damascus, in the presence of US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and Commander of US Central Command Brad Cooper, in a move seen as important for consolidating the truce and promoting stability.

For his part, Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra announced via X an agreement on a comprehensive ceasefire in northern and northeastern Syria, to be implemented immediately.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed the necessary constitutional amendments to ensure representation of all components of the Syrian people and the protection of their rights, as well as the integration of the SDF and the internal security forces into an organized and effective national army.

The delegation also stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in northeastern Syria and Aleppo, with a focus on the return of displaced persons and the fight against terrorism as priorities for achieving lasting peace.