The Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, congratulated the head of the transitional phase in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on assuming the presidency of the country, and invited him to visit the regions in northeastern Syria.

Abdi expressed his forces’ readiness to expel foreign fighters from the SDF as part of the ongoing negotiations with Damascus, aiming to reach a formula for understanding that ends the current division, asserting openness to a national solution.

Abdi stated to the North Press Agency today, Monday, February 17, that Damascus requested the expulsion of non-Syrian fighters from the SDF and the handover of the security file, including the transfer of prisoners from the Islamic State group, to be under the responsibility of the Syrian government. Additionally, they demanded the return of central government institutions to operate in northeastern Syria.

He added that the SDF is open to collaboration in this matter, believing that protecting the region and “fighting terrorism” is a national responsibility that requires high-level coordination among all parties to ensure the security and stability of Syria.

Abdi pointed out that his forces are open to a national solution that all Syrians agree upon, and they are working on visiting Damascus again to discuss a clear action plan to implement what is being discussed.

Since the arrival of the new Syrian administration in Damascus, efforts have been ongoing to regain control of the areas held by the SDF, which account for about 25% of Syrian territory and are the richest regions in Syria in terms of resources.

Negotiations are taking place between Damascus and northeastern Syria to arrive at a formula that would end the SDF’s monopoly on control in the area and persuade them to join the Syrian Ministry of Defense, without any visible progress in this matter so far.

Syrian Defense Minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, refused to comment on the details of negotiations with the SDF during an interview with The Washington Post, but expressed his belief that the issue would be resolved diplomatically. However, the government rejected the SDF’s offer to integrate into the Ministry of Defense as a unified bloc.

Abu Qasra stated that the goal of the head of the transitional phase in Syria is to ensure the region’s submission to Damascus’s authority and government control over prisons in the area. He added, “The military solution would lead to bloodshed on both sides. Based on our assessment, the solution will be peaceful. We do not lean towards a military solution.”