US-Backed SDF Ready To ‘Integrate’ Into New Syrian Army – The Cradle
US-Backed SDF Ready To ‘Integrate’ Into New Syrian Army
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are under pressure to give up their weapons, dissolve, and merge into the new Syrian army led by former Al-Qaeda leader Ahmad al-Sharaa
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on 18 February that key agreements had been reached among stakeholders in northern and eastern Syria “to enhance cooperation and stability in Syria.”
The agreements were reached following a meeting involving the SDF, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and are meant to pave the way for a future agreement with the new Syrian government in Damascus.
The SDC is the political wing of the SDF, while the AANES is the official governing entity in areas of north and east Syria occupied by SDF forces.
According to a post on X by the commander of the SDF’s Northern Brigade, Abu Omar al-Idlibi, the meeting resulted in agreement on eight main points.
The participants agreed to integrate all security institutions into the structure of the Syrian army “with the aim of unifying efforts and strengthening national power.”
Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s current self-appointed president and a former leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq and in Syria who went by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, has demanded that the SDF, which enjoys strong US backing, dissolve and merge its fighters as individuals into the new Syrian army.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi has previously insisted that SDF fighters be merged into the army as units remaining under Kurdish command.
The participants further agreed to reactivate state-affiliated civil and service institutions in northern and eastern Syria to ensure the provision of basic services.
It was also agreed that “all non-Syrian fighters must withdraw from the ranks” of the SDF.
Some commanders and fighters in the SDF are Turkish Kurds who are members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist group by Turkiye. Syria’s new government, whose leaders were previously designated as terrorists by the UN, is strongly supported by Ankara.
Participants in the meeting also agreed to intensify coordination with the Syrian government in Damascus to “enhance cooperation on national issues.”
They also affirmed the “importance of Syria’s territorial integrity” and that “incorporating local forces into the Syrian army would strengthen its ability to protect the homeland.”
Some Kurds have demanded that the areas under SDF control, known as “Rojava,” become a state independent of Syria.
🔗SOURCE ➡️ The Cradle
Related: 2/15 – Syrian ‘National Dialogue’ To Exclude Kurds, Former Government Figures
The defense minister also discussed Syria’s efforts to establish new military and political partnerships, ongoing negotiations with US-backed Kurdish forces, and a plan to unify the country’s numerous armed factions under one command.
2/6 – Turkish Officials Say Military Bases In Syria Being Considered
1/21- Violent Clashes Continue In North Syria As Damascus Seeks To Disarm Us-Backed Kurds
1/19- PKK To Leave Syria On Condition Kurds ‘Maintain Leadership Role’
1/9 – SDF Leader Urges Trump To Keep US Troops In Syria Citing ‘Resurging ISIS Threat’
1/8- Turkiye Vows ‘Imminent Eradication’ Of Kurdish Militias As Death Toll Skyrockets In North Syria
1/4- US Lays Groundwork For New Military Base In Northern Syria: Report
12/28 – US-Backed Kurds Express Readiness To Join ‘New Syrian Army’ Under HTS Rule
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