Verbal Agreement Between SDF and Damascus: New Steps Toward National Reconciliation
Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated in an interview with a Kurdish network that negotiations took place last week between delegations from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and officials from Syria’s interim government in Damascus
According to Abdi, these talks led to a verbal agreement on several sensitive issues, including a full ceasefire and the continuation of dialogue. Abdi emphasized that he held separate meetings with Syria’s defense minister and intelligence chief, reaching mutual understanding on certain topics.
He also announced preliminary coordination regarding the integration of SDF forces into the Syrian army’s structure, noting that Damascus is interested in utilizing the SDF’s experience in security and military affairs. Accordingly, a military committee composed of representatives from the “Internal Security Forces” is expected to be dispatched to Damascus soon to discuss the details of this process.
On the military front, Abdi revealed that the United States proposed forming a joint force between the SDF and the Syrian army to combat ISIS—a proposal welcomed by Syrian parties. He described this initiative as a unified national step against terrorism.
Politically, discussions are underway to incorporate the terms of the “March 10 Agreement” into the draft of Syria’s new constitution. Abdi stressed that Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah will be part of the country’s future governance framework, and withdrawal from these areas is a red line for the SDF.
On the humanitarian side, he called on residents of Afrin, Ras al-Ayn, and Tal Abyad to prepare for returning to their homes, and emphasized the importance of implementing the April 1 agreement concerning the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo.
These negotiations may represent an initial step toward resolving the crisis between Damascus and the autonomous administration. The emphasis on a “Syrian-Syrian” solution without direct foreign military intervention reflects both sides’ desire to avoid a prolonged conflict. Integrating the SDF into the Syrian army could be a chance for national unity, but also poses practical challenges due to ideological, structural, and political differences between the two sides.
Overall, recent developments signal the beginning of a new round of talks and a redefinition of the role of non-state actors within Syria’s political-military framework. While much remains before a final agreement is reached, the current verbal understandings could lay the groundwork for lasting peace in northern Syria—provided there is sufficient political will and enforceable guarantees.
Comment