Mustafa Abdi, a member of the presidential team tasked with implementing the January 29 agreement, told the state-run al-Ikhbariya that the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state institutions had reached its “final stages at all levels,” particularly the military and security levels.

His remarks came amid growing reports that an announcement disbanding the SDF and dissolving the Autonomous Administration may be approaching after months of implementing the agreement.

Abdi said the agreement’s implementation was advancing alongside humanitarian efforts and measures on the ground, particularly efforts to facilitate the return of displaced residents. He said mine clearance remained the main obstacle preventing residents from returning to Ras al-Ain (al-Hasakah governorate, northeastern Syria).

Neither the Syrian government nor the SDF has officially confirmed reports that the two structures may soon be dissolved.

Integration in Final Stages

Abdi said the integration agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had reached its “final stages at all levels,” particularly the military and security levels. He did not provide a timetable for announcing the completion of the agreement’s implementation or specify the remaining steps.

The remarks are among the clearest official indications to date that implementation of the agreement is advancing, while some security and administrative matters remain under consideration, according to previous statements by government officials.

Over the past several months, the administration of several institutions in al-Hasakah governorate has been transferred to the Syrian government. Military positions and checkpoints were also handed over, while new administrative officials were appointed as part of the agreement’s implementation.

Mines Delay the Return of Displaced Residents

Abdi said the authorities had facilitated the return of eight groups of displaced Afrin residents from al-Hasakah governorate to Afrin (Aleppo governorate, northwestern Syria).

He added that preparations for the return of Ras al-Ain residents currently displaced in Qamishli and al-Hasakah revealed extensive minefields between Tell Tamr and Ras al-Ain, hampering safe travel and movement.

According to Abdi, mine clearance teams have been working in the area for about 50 days, with support from Syrian army mine-clearing vehicles. Internal security forces are securing hazardous locations and preventing civilians from entering until clearance operations are completed.

He said about 12,500 families were still waiting to return to their homes, stressing that residents would not return to Ras al-Ain until the area was declared completely safe following mine clearance.

Abdi added that facilitating returns to Ras al-Ain would be easier than facilitating returns to Afrin because of the shorter distance and the availability of logistical support.

He also said arrangements were being made with the Internal Security Forces to return al-Hasakah residents currently living in Ras al-Ain to their original areas. He described mine clearance as the main obstacle preventing the completion of the return process.

Mine Clearance Operations Continue

Mine and unexploded ordnance clearance operations are continuing along the main roads leading to Ras al-Ain and its countryside as part of efforts to secure civilian movement and prepare for the return of displaced residents.

Mine clearance teams are focusing on the road from al-Darbasiyah to Ras al-Ain, the road connecting Tell Tamr and Ras al-Ain, areas surrounding former front lines, and villages in the Zarkan and Tell Tamr countryside.

These areas experienced military confrontations and repeated changes of control during previous years.

The continued presence of mines and remnants of war on farmland and roads used by residents has raised fears of further casualties. Thousands of families remain unable to return to their homes until clearance operations are completed.

Reports of SDF Dissolution Remain Unconfirmed

Abdi’s statements came as reports concerning the future of the SDF and the Autonomous Administration increased in recent days. Information attributed to government sources and others within the SDF suggested that an announcement disbanding both structures was approaching.

According to the reports, preparations are underway for a meeting between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and leaders of the SDF and the Autonomous Administration.

Several administrative and security matters would reportedly be completed before the meeting, which could be followed by an official announcement concerning the two structures.

The reports also suggested that a press conference could be held in August. However, neither the Syrian government nor the SDF has confirmed this information.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with Al Jazeera several days earlier that implementation of the agreement with the SDF was progressing slowly. He nevertheless said the government continued to regard the agreement as the most appropriate path for ending the division in northeastern Syria.

Gradual Steps Since the January Agreement

A series of field and administrative measures has been implemented in al-Hasakah governorate since the January 29 agreement was signed.

These steps followed the Syrian army’s establishment of control in early 2026 over the governorate’s southern and eastern countryside and parts of its western countryside, while the SDF remained concentrated in the main cities, particularly al-Hasakah and Qamishli.

Gradual measures were subsequently introduced to integrate military, security and service institutions into state structures.

The measures included transferring the administration of several institutions, appointing new administrative officials, and handing some positions and checkpoints to government bodies.

The restructuring of forces, security arrangements and the return of displaced people remain among the main issues yet to be completed.

Humanitarian and security measures remain underway, particularly mine clearance and preparations for the return of thousands of displaced residents. Reports that the SDF and the Autonomous Administration may soon be dissolved remain officially unconfirmed.