The leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Abu Omar al-Idlibi, announced that a meeting held between the SDF, the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD), and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) resulted in a decision to integrate the security institutions belonging to the SDF and the Autonomous Administration into the structure of the Syrian army.

Al-Idlibi, who is the commander of the Northern Democratic Brigade affiliated with the SDF, stated via his account on X, on Tuesday, February 18, that the meeting held the day before concluded with several decisions to resolve the ongoing disputes with Damascus.

He added that the meeting produced eight points, which are:

• It was decided to integrate the security institutions belonging to the SDF and the Autonomous Administration into the structure of the Syrian army, aiming to unify and enhance national strength.
• Reactivation of state service institutions in northeastern Syria and provision of basic services, in addition to improving the living standards of local residents.
• The necessity of withdrawing all foreign fighters from the SDF and northeastern Syria, considering this step essential for enhancing national sovereignty and ensuring stability.
• Increased coordination with the Syrian government and holding more frequent meetings regarding national issues.
• Emphasis on the importance of preserving the unity of Syrian territory and the necessity of involving local forces in the Syrian army to enhance the country’s defensive capability.
• Providing the necessary conditions to facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons to their cities and villages.
• Conveying congratulations to President Ahmed al-Sharaa on assuming his position and extending an official invitation for him to visit northeastern Syria.
• Establishing joint committees for implementation and ensuring the effective execution of decisions.

Abu Omar al-Idlibi pointed out that the aforementioned decision is “an important step towards enhancing national unity and ensuring stability in the country.”

Neither the SDF, the Autonomous Administration, nor the MSD have commented on what al-Idlibi mentioned at the time of this news release.

In the wake of congratulations from Abdi

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

Abdi expressed the readiness of his forces to remove foreign fighters within the SDF as part of ongoing negotiations with Damascus, aimed at reaching a formula for understanding to end the existing division, affirming openness to a national solution.

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

He added that the SDF is open to cooperation in this regard, 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 noted that his forces are open to a national solution that unites all Syrians and that they are working on visiting Damascus again to discuss a clear action plan to implement what is being discussed.

Following the negotiations

Since the arrival of the new Syrian administration in Damascus, there have been attempts to regain control of the areas under SDF control, which constitute about 25% of Syrian territory and are the richest areas in Syria in terms of resources.

Negotiations are ongoing between Damascus and northeastern Syria to reach a formula that ends the SDF’s exclusive control of the region and convinces it to join the Syrian Ministry of Defense.

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

Abu Qasra stated that the goal of the transitional president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is to ensure the region is subject to the authority of Damascus and for the government to take control of prisons in the area. He added, “The military solution will lead to bloodshed on both sides. Based on our assessment, the solution will be peaceful. We are not inclined towards a military solution.”