We agreed with Damascus to accelerate integration, exchange prisoners – Mazloum Abdi
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), General Mazloum Abdi, said on Tuesday that a meeting was held with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Intelligence Minister Anas Khattab, during which the parties agreed to accelerate the integration process.
Speaking at a social event organized by notables of Hasakah, Abdi said that two joint committees had been formed at the leadership level and would convene soon to oversee implementation.
He added that security forces recently deployed to Hasakah Governorate are working to finalize integration measures, noting that an additional joint committee would supervise the process in the coming period.
Abdi stated that an agreement had been reached with Damascus to integrate the SDF into brigades under the Ministry of Defense, stressing the importance of preserving all fighters who participated in combating terrorism.
“There is an issue regarding the appointment of a Deputy Minister of Defense in Damascus, and we are working to announce this officially,” he said.
He emphasized that members and commanders of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) should maintain their positions within the structure of the Syrian Ministry of Interior, adding that all Asayish personnel and leadership would be incorporated into the ministry.
“No one from outside the region will be brought in to handle security responsibilities,” Abdi stressed, noting that while the organizational structure of the Asayish would change, its members and leadership would remain.
He further stated that border forces would be composed of local residents from areas such as Kobani, Derik (al-Malikiyah), Tel Tamr, and other areas. Border employees would remain in place, alongside a committee from Damascus.
Abdi revealed that a separate committee had been formed to reopen roads, complete prisoner exchange procedures, and clarify the fate of missing persons. The committee is expected to begin work on Wednesday and conclude its mission within a week.
He also pledged that a general amnesty would be issued and prisons cleared.
Abdi emphasized that integration is not limited to the Kurdish community, but includes all institutions of the Autonomous Administration within the framework of the Syrian state, with particular consideration for predominantly Kurdish areas.
He pointed out that all communities in Hasakah Governorate, including the Syriac-Assyrian, would jointly manage the governorate under the new structure.
Addressing displaced persons, Abdi announced the formation of a committee to develop a roadmap for the return of displaced residents from Afrin, Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain), Tel Abyad, Sheikh Maqsoud, and Ashrafiyeh.