In a significant development that could reshape the military and political landscape of post-war Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced that General Commander Mazlum Abdi is scheduled to visit Damascus before the end of the current year. The move signals a potential breakthrough in long-standing negotiations between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the central government, specifically regarding the integration of the SDF into the national Syrian army.
The confirmation of this high-profile visit came from SDF Press Spokesperson Ferhad Shami during an interview with the Saudi-based broadcaster Al Arabiya. As detailed in a report published on December 26, by Mezopotamya Ajansı, Shami stated that both parties have reached a consensus on the necessity of integrating the SDF into the official Syrian military apparatus. He highlighted that despite previous hurdles, there are now agreed-upon "common points" between the SDF leadership and Damascus regarding the future defense architecture of the country.
Shami’s comments provided insight into the ongoing implementation of the "March 10 Agreement," a framework that appears to be guiding the reconciliation process between the autonomous northeast and the government in Damascus. While negotiations have been complex, the spokesperson emphasized that the decision for Abdi to visit the capital is a testament to the progress made regarding the status of the SDF.
During the interview, the SDF spokesperson also moved to dispel various rumors circulating in regional media. He categorically denied allegations that the SDF was involved in training Druze military forces in the southern province of As-Suwayda. Addressing claims regarding the forces of Druze leader Hikmat Al-Hijri, Shami clarified, "We did not train Hikmat Al-Hijri's forces. Our relationship with the Druze people is political and social; they have their own military experience and do not need military training from the Syrian Democratic Forces."
Furthermore, Shami firmly rejected accusations regarding secret ties between the SDF and Israel. "We have no relationship with Israel," Shami asserted. He argued that the geopolitical reality contradicts such claims, noting, "If there were relations with Israel, no one would dare to attack the SDF." He characterized the sources of these rumors as actors lacking a comprehensive "national Syrian project."
Coinciding with Shami's media appearance, General Mazlum Abdi addressed a gathering in the city of Tabqa regarding the support for the negotiation committee in North and East Syria. Abdi reaffirmed his commitment to the March 10 Agreement, acknowledging that while violations of the truce occur occasionally, the channels of communication have remained open.
"Dialogue with the interim government, both direct and indirect, has not been cut off," Abdi told the consultation delegation. He emphasized that despite the slow pace and occasional setbacks on the ground, the SDF remains dedicated to continuous efforts to achieve a political solution that preserves the unity of Syrian territory while acknowledging the specific status of the SDF within a national framework. The upcoming visit to Damascus is widely viewed as a litmus test for the viability of this new military integration plan.
Photo: MA