ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will integrate into the new Syrian army as three distinct military formations, a senior SDF commander told Rudaw on Tuesday, adding that the integration will include Kurdish-led forces’ all-female fighters and likening the possibility of the SDF dropping its current name.
Abu Omar al-Idlibi, a senior commander of the North Democratic Forces - a component of the SDF - said the US-backed forces “will become part of the formations of the new Syrian army. They will be integrated as three military formations [units] and several independent brigades, including a brigade for the Women’s Protection Units [YPJ].
“This will be carried out according to a mechanism that will be agreed upon, with [implementation] details to be addressed during the successive rounds of negotiations,” he said.
Moreover, Idlibi noted that “as we take steps toward building a new Syria, changing the name of the SDF may be appropriate for this new phase in our country’s journey.
“Nonetheless, the true essence of these forces - and the mission for which they were founded - will remain deeply rooted in our conscience and in our unwavering commitment to defending our people and our homeland,” he emphasized.
SDF chief Mazloum Abdi on March 10, signed a landmark agreement with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The deal aims to bring all civil and military institutions in northeast Syria (Rojava) - including the SDF - under state control and to establish a nationwide ceasefire.
Talks to implement the agreement have been ongoing since March, marked by numerous ups and downs.
Asked about whether or not there is a set timeline to implement the key accord, Idlibi said, “an initial timeline was set for the end of the current year,” however, “this date is not set in stone,” he said. “The timeline can be adjusted in order to achieve meaningful and lasting results, based on accurate and well-defined understandings. These understandings will serve as the foundation upon which the new Syria will be built.”
Following is the full transcription of the interview with Abu Omar al-Idlibi:
Rudaw: How do you assess the climate of the meetings held two days ago in Damascus between the military delegation from Northeast Syria (Rojava) and the Syrian defense ministry, and what are the most prominent points of agreement regarding the integration of SDF forces into the structure of the Syrian army?
Abu Omar al-Idlibi: The meetings between the delegation from North and East Syria and the Syrian Transitional Government's delegation in Damascus, focused on military and security committees, were conducted with a high level of national responsibility. The goal was to advance the negotiation tracks of the specialized committees dealing with military and security integration. The work of these committees is progressing in line with the requirements of the integration process, with precise efforts and serious commitment being made to bring this matter to completion.
Will the SDF be part of a special division in the Syrian army, and where will they be deployed?
Initially, the Syrian Democratic Forces will become part of the formations of the new Syrian army. They will be integrated as three military formations [units] and several independent brigades, including a brigade for the Women’s Protection Units [YPJ]. This will be carried out according to a mechanism that will be agreed upon, with [implementation] details to be addressed during the successive rounds of negotiations.
Our forces - the Syrian Democratic Forces - have always been, and will continue to be, wherever their presence is needed to protect our people and our country against all challenges and threats, from all forces of terrorism and aggression.
Will these Kurdish-led forces retain the name Syrian Democratic Forces? If it is changed, what are the proposed names?
As we mark the tenth anniversary of their founding, the Syrian Democratic Forces have carried the honor of bearing the name of Syria from the very beginning. The SDF has made immense sacrifices - through the blood of martyrs and the wounded, and through the tireless efforts of its fighters - in defense of all Syrians, across all national components.
For this reason, the name Syrian Democratic Forces is a badge of honor worn proudly on our hearts and chests, and a crown upon the heads of our leaders and fighters. This name will forever remain a symbol of pride and glory in Syria’s history.
However, as we take steps toward building a new Syria, changing the name of the SDF may be appropriate for this new phase in our country’s journey. Still, the true essence of these forces - and the mission for which they were founded - will remain deeply rooted in our conscience and in our unwavering commitment to defending our people and our homeland.
What will be the fate of the field commanders and military ranks within the SDF after the integration?
The mechanism of integration and all related military affairs will be addressed through the technical and military negotiation tracks. These efforts aim to realize the objectives outlined in the March 10 Agreement.
The outcomes of these matters will be determined based on the mutual understanding reached by both sides, in a way that serves the supreme national interests and aligns with the New Syrian Vision that we are working to build together.
What is the fate of the Northern Democratic Brigade? Will it be restructured within the proposed SDF formations/units?
The Northern Democratic Forces, since their founding at the beginning of the great Syrian Uprising [in 2011], have gone through several stages. From the very first day of our military formation, we have dedicated ourselves to defending our people and our land. We fought in various Syrian regions and presented martyrs, for the sake of our national goals and the legitimate aspirations of our people.
Therefore, we will be where our national duty requires us to be, and in a way that achieves national goals. Of course, we are an original and core part of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and accordingly, the integration mechanisms that will be agreed upon will include us, like the rest of the Syrian Democratic Forces. For this, we are loyal fighters to protect our people and our country.
Is there a specific timeline for the implementation of the March 10 Agreement?
The March 10 Agreement initially set the end of the current year as the target for implementing all of its clauses. However, this date is not set in stone; it is not a sacred deadline. The timeline can be adjusted in order to achieve meaningful and lasting results, based on accurate and well-defined understandings. These understandings will serve as the foundation upon which the new Syria will be built - after the fall of the defunct regime [of the toppled Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad].
Some media outlets claim that the SDF has closed the internal crossings between the regions governed by the Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES) and areas under Syrian government control. Are these reports accurate, and if so, which are the access points that have been shut down?
Unfortunately, some media outlets are primarily driven by the pursuit of views and followers, with little regard for the harm or confusion their reporting may cause. When it comes to the issue of crossings or the closure of access points, we categorically deny such claims. We are completely opposed to any actions that would negatively affect the lives of civilians - including the sick, students, and travelers - or that would lead to rising prices of essential goods and services. We are far from implementing any such procedures, and no closures of internal crossings are taking place.
What message do you have for members of the Northern Democratic Brigade about the next stage?
Our message to all our military and security forces - including the Northern Democratic Brigade - remains constant: our highest aim and most precious duty is the protection of civilians and the defense of our homeland. When the smiles of reassurance return to Syrian children and they feel safe and at peace, we will know we are on the right path we chose and believed in. We will remain true to our principles, loyal to our martyrs, and faithful to our covenant with our people.