Syrian Democratic Forces Agree to Integrate into Syrian Army

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2 days ago

Above: Armed fighters walk through a street in Kobani, northern Syria, on Jan. 24, 2025. Image copyright: SQ/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated 2 days ago

The Facts

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced this week that it reached an agreement to integrate its military and security forces into the Syrian army's structure. Negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian government, however, are still ongoing.
The agreement includes provisions for the withdrawal of foreign fighters from SDF-controlled areas, particularly those affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and the reactivation of state services and institutions in northeastern Syria.
The Kurdish-dominated SDF currently controls approximately 25% of Syrian territory, including resource-rich areas with significant oil, natural gas, and mineral deposits, critical for Syria's economic future.

The Spin

Narrative A

The integration represents a crucial step toward enhancing national unity and ensuring stability in Syria, while the withdrawal of foreign fighters will strengthen national sovereignty and create conditions for lasting peace. The merger of security institutions under the Syrian army's structure will improve coordination and service delivery to local residents.

Enab Baladi

Narrative B

The agreement undermines legitimate Kurdish national rights and follows a concerning pattern of compromises that primarily serve non-Kurdish interests. The lack of internal Kurdish consensus and failure to secure fundamental Kurdish demands, including federal recognition and language rights, makes this a dangerous concession.

Kurdistan24

Narrative C

Though the new government in Damascus may be taking a pragmatic approach toward the "SDF," which is an obvious front for the terrorist PKK, many Syrians view said terrorists as remnants of the former regime. Indeed, the PKK cannot be allowed to remain in Syria, and Sharaa should consider military operations to solve this issue.

Daily Sabah