On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Syrian Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi touched down in Damascus ✈️ to resume talks with government officials on integrating his forces into the central military.
Last March 2025, Abdi signed a landmark deal with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aiming to merge the Kurds' semi-autonomous administration into the Syrian state by the end of 2025. But differences over decentralization and command structure have stalled its rollout.
In a statement, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – the Kurdish-led umbrella armed group – confirmed that a delegation, led by Abdi, is meeting with Damascus government representatives 🤝. The government has yet to comment publicly.
The SDF, which controls Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast, was key to the US-led coalition’s defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019. Integrating these battle-hardened units into a reshaped national army remains a complex challenge.
Since President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in early 2025, clashes have sometimes broken out when Kurds pushed back against a government that rejects decentralization. Finding common ground on local autonomy is crucial for lasting stability.
According to insiders, Damascus has proposed dividing Kurdish forces into three divisions and several brigades – including one for women – all under SDF commanders in Kurdish areas. The Kurds are reviewing the plan as they advocate for broader self-governance.
Despite hurdles, Abdi has stayed optimistic. In December, he said, "All efforts are being made to prevent the collapse of this process," adding that failure now seems unlikely.
Regional dynamics are also at play: Türkiye, a key ally of Syria’s new authorities, views Kurdish forces along its border as a security threat and has publicly urged their full integration into the state army.
As Abdi’s delegation wraps up its discussions in Damascus this week, all eyes are on whether this long-anticipated chapter can finally bring Kurdish fighters into Syria’s military fold 🌟.
Reference(s):
Syrian Kurdish leader in Damascus for talks on military integration
cgtn.com
