SDF leadership meets Damascus officials on military integration talks
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A delegation from the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is holding meetings on Sunday with officials from the Syrian transitional government in the Syrian capital of Damascus as part of ongoing discussions on the military integration process, the SDF announced in a statement.
The SDF said that the delegation includes SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi, along with General Command members Sozdar Derik and Sipan Hemo.
The talks are focused on mechanisms related to integrating SDF forces within Syria’s broader military and security structures, amid wider political and security negotiations between the two sides.
The SDF did not provide further details on the agenda or the expected outcomes of the meetings.
The talks come at a sensitive stage, as discussions over governance, security arrangements, and the future of Northeast Syria continue against the backdrop of shifting regional and international dynamics.
“This is a preliminary report, and further details will be released later,” the statement read.
Contacts between the SDF and Damascus have intensified in recent months, following mediation efforts by international and regional actors. These discussions have centered on military coordination, the status of the areas run by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), and the integration of forces while preserving local security arrangements in Northeast Syria.
Earlier, the SDF has stressed any integration process must be gradual and based on clear political agreements, including guarantees for local administrations, protection of gains made during the fight against ISIS, and the safeguarding of the rights of communities in the region.
The latest meeting in Damascus reflects continued efforts by both sides to explore frameworks for cooperation after years of intermittent dialogue, stalled negotiations, and renewed contacts.
On Jan. 2, Maryam Ibrahim, spokesperson for AANES’ Negotiation Committee with Damascus, said that negotiations to integrate the SDF into Syria’s national military structure are expected to reach a breakthrough in early 2026.
Maryam added that relations with Syria’s transitional government remain “a bit weak,” but both sides are prioritizing the military file as the core issue in talks.
Observers say the outcome of the talks could have significant implications for Syria’s security landscape and the future role of the SDF.