SDF submits list of commanders for integration into Syrian army
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) handed over to the Global Coalition a list of commanders from military units slated for integration into the Syrian Army and its special brigades, as well as representatives within the Ministry of Defense and General Staff, sources said on Wednesday.
Multiple sources told North Press that the list includes approximately 70 commanders who participated in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
According to one of the sources, the list covers the leaders of three military divisions set to join the Syrian Army: one in the Jazira region (Hasakah Governorate), another in the Euphrates region (Raqqa Governorate), and a third in Deir ez-Zor.
It also includes commanders of three special brigades under the General Staff, with SDF leaders accounting for roughly 30 percent of the staff.
One of these brigades will focus on counterterrorism operations and coordinate closely with the Global Coalition across Syria.
A Western source confirmed the SDF’s submission of the list, adding: “We hope the integration happens soon.”
On Oct. 10, SDF Commander-in-Chief General Mazloum Abdi stated during the tenth anniversary of the SDF’s founding that the forces “will play a key role in building this new army and will be an integral and strong part of it,” and that SDF counterterrorism units will continue their work nationwide alongside other Syrian Army units.
On Oct. 13, an SDF military delegation arrived in Damascus to discuss integration into the Syrian Army. Sipan Hamo, a member of the SDF’s General Command and military committee on integration, said the parties reached verbal understandings, but no signed agreements exist yet.
In July, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack told North Press that the SDF is an important partner for the U.S. government, fought against ISIS, and are highly respected, adding that the SDF forces are capable of integrating into Syria and joining its army.