YPJ says talks with Damascus continue under Jan. 29 agreement
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) – an all-female force active within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – said on Tuesday that negotiations with the Syrian transitional government are continuing within the framework of the Jan. 29, 2026 agreement, adding that no final decision has been reached regarding the force’s future status.
In a statement, the YPJ said it held talks with Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra in April, during which it submitted a written proposal outlining its vision and recommendations concerning the implementation of the agreement.
“To this day, we have not been informed of any official proposal or decision by the authorities in Damascus,” the statement read.
The YPJ noted that discussions are ongoing over proposals to incorporate the force into the Syrian Interior Ministry as an independent unit tasked with combating terrorism, stressing that no agreement has yet been finalized.
“There are proposals for the Women’s Protection Units to join the Ministry of Interior as an independent force dedicated to combating terrorism. However, no final decision has yet been reached on this matter,” the statement added.
The group pointed out that additional meetings with Syrian officials are expected to take place in the coming days to discuss the issue.
The YPJ emphasized that its activities and struggle will continue until its legacy and status receive legal guarantees and protection.
“Our struggle and activities will continue until the legacy of the Women’s Protection Units is placed under legal protection and guarantee,” the statement said.
The Jan. 29 agreement, signed between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi, aims to integrate the military and civilian institutions of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria into the Syrian state. The agreement includes provisions related to security coordination and the future status of local military formations.