In a landmark agreement, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will integrate into the Syrian state, marking a significant shift in the region's dynamics.
Kurdish Forces Reach Historic Agreement to Integrate with Syrian State
Kurdish Forces Reach Historic Agreement to Integrate with Syrian State
Syrian Democratic Forces Set to Cease Hostilities and Join Syrian Government Structures
In a historic move, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced a comprehensive agreement with the Syrian government to fully integrate military and civilian frameworks into the Syrian state, as reported by the country’s presidency. This deal, which comes as a strategic response to ongoing instability in the region, includes provisions for the SDF, which was supported by the U.S., to end hostilities and relinquish control over crucial border posts, airports, and rich oil and gas fields.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who signed the agreement alongside interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed that this deal presents a "real opportunity to build a new Syria." He emphasized their commitment to fostering a future where the rights and aspirations of all Syrians are respected, peace is prioritized, and dignity is restored.
This agreement also designates the Kurdish community as "integral" to the Syrian state, ensuring that all Syrian citizens will have a voice in the political landscape. The agreement's timing is telling, as Syria grapples with the aftermath of a civil war that has left the country fragmented and susceptible to further violence, particularly in the western regions where much bloodshed has recently occurred.
By integrating the SDF, the Syrian government aims to reduce tensions with Turkey, which has long viewed the SDF, particularly its largest faction, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), as a terrorist organization due to its alleged ties with the PKK. Turkish officials have yet to provide a response to this significant reconciliation.
The SDF currently governs over 46,000 square kilometers of northeastern Syria and played a critical role in expelling the Islamic State (IS) from the region in 2019, aided by a U.S.-led coalition. Presently, about 10,000 IS fighters remain detained in SDF-controlled facilities, alongside around 46,000 individuals associated with IS, primarily women and children, residing in various camps.
As the SDF integrates into the state structure, concerns grow regarding the potential resurgence of IS, particularly as ongoing attacks by Turkish-backed factions divert SDF resources away from crucial prison guard duties. The fate of the Kurdish population, which represents approximately 10% of Syria's demographic, remains a focal point, especially given their historical struggles for rights and representation amid the Assad regime.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who signed the agreement alongside interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed that this deal presents a "real opportunity to build a new Syria." He emphasized their commitment to fostering a future where the rights and aspirations of all Syrians are respected, peace is prioritized, and dignity is restored.
This agreement also designates the Kurdish community as "integral" to the Syrian state, ensuring that all Syrian citizens will have a voice in the political landscape. The agreement's timing is telling, as Syria grapples with the aftermath of a civil war that has left the country fragmented and susceptible to further violence, particularly in the western regions where much bloodshed has recently occurred.
By integrating the SDF, the Syrian government aims to reduce tensions with Turkey, which has long viewed the SDF, particularly its largest faction, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), as a terrorist organization due to its alleged ties with the PKK. Turkish officials have yet to provide a response to this significant reconciliation.
The SDF currently governs over 46,000 square kilometers of northeastern Syria and played a critical role in expelling the Islamic State (IS) from the region in 2019, aided by a U.S.-led coalition. Presently, about 10,000 IS fighters remain detained in SDF-controlled facilities, alongside around 46,000 individuals associated with IS, primarily women and children, residing in various camps.
As the SDF integrates into the state structure, concerns grow regarding the potential resurgence of IS, particularly as ongoing attacks by Turkish-backed factions divert SDF resources away from crucial prison guard duties. The fate of the Kurdish population, which represents approximately 10% of Syria's demographic, remains a focal point, especially given their historical struggles for rights and representation amid the Assad regime.
