U.S. urges flexibility in SDF-Damascus integration deal – Reuters
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States has expressed satisfaction with progress toward integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state institutions, while urging Damascus to show flexibility in negotiations, a Western official told Reuters on Friday.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington — which withdrew some of its forces from Syria this week — has advised Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa to avoid taking a hard line in talks with the SDF as a gesture of goodwill.
According to the official, the U.S. view is that a degree of autonomy for Kurdish-led authorities in northeast Syria is acceptable, provided it does not undermine the central authority of Damascus.
A copy of the agreement seen by Reuters outlines steps for the Syrian Defense Ministry to establish a division for the northeast, integrating SDF forces into three brigades under its structure.
The agreement also stipulates that 15 government security vehicles will deploy to each of the SDF-held cities of Qamishli and Hasakah, and that the “integration of SDF security forces” will begin.
However, officials on both the government and Kurdish sides said several core issues remain unresolved. These include the specific mechanism for integrating SDF fighters, the fate of the group’s heavy weapons, and arrangements concerning a key border crossing with Iraq that has long served as an SDF lifeline.
For now, the SDF maintains firm control over the territories it holds in northern and eastern Syria. Yet the extent of authority it would retain under any final settlement remains unclear.
Noah Bonsey of the International Crisis Group said further implementation of the deal appears to be the most likely scenario at present.
He warned that the risk of missteps remains high, raising the possibility of renewed escalation if negotiations falter.
The developments come amid continued international engagement aimed at advancing a political settlement to Syria’s protracted conflict.