SDF commander proposes joint Military Council with Damascus
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A senior commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Sipan Hemo, proposed the formation of a joint military council with the Syrian transitional government as a first step toward building “a new national army that includes all Syrians and is based on a comprehensive democratic project.”
In an interview with Hawar News Agency, Hemo said integration into the Syrian army cannot occur through traditional or centralized structures, but must follow a path rooted in “democracy, decentralization, and women’s freedom.”
He stressed that the SDF does not reject joining the Syrian army but insists that any integration must be founded on clear political principles that guarantee the rights of all Syrians. “The army reflects the political system, and therefore, any real integration first requires establishing new political foundations that represent the will of the people, before discussing military details,” he stated.
Hemo noted that the creation of a joint military council could serve as a starting point for reshaping Syria’s military institution on national foundations, moving away from the centralized mindset that has governed the country for decades.
The commander highlighted the SDF’s accumulated military and political experience during years of fighting against the Islamic State (ISIS), underscoring that this makes the force a key actor in rebuilding a future national army. He added that the SDF has demonstrated its ability to manage strategic battles and secure vast territories across Syria.
Hemo criticized what he described as “the lack of political will in Damascus,” pointing out that the current government obstructed several dialogue initiatives, including the March 10 agreement. He said the government continues to pursue a centralized political model that excludes northeast Syria from the electoral process.
“These policies reflect the persistence of the old mentality,” Hemo said, stressing that Syria’s future requires a genuine political transformation based on democracy and social justice.