Syrian Military Integration SDF 2026: No Tangible Results in Damascus Talks
On Jan 4, 2026, Syria's interim government and the SDF held talks in Damascus regarding military integration but failed to reach an agreement on the merger method.
They've lowered their guns, but they haven't yet joined forces. Syria's interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remain at a deadlock over how to merge their militaries into a single national army.
Syrian Military Integration SDF 2026: The Damascus Standoff
On January 4, 2026, top SDF commander Mazloum Abdi met with government officials in Damascus. The talks followed a landmark deal inked in March 2025 under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which aimed for full integration by the end of that year. However, state media reports that no "tangible results" were achieved during this latest session.
The major sticking point is the SDF's organizational structure. The group wants to remain a cohesive unit within the new army to preserve its influence. In contrast, Damascus insists on dissolving the unit and absorbing fighters individually. This disagreement reflects a deeper struggle over whether the new Syria will be a decentralized state or a centralized one.
Strategic Assets and Regional Pressure
The stakes go far beyond manpower. The SDF currently controls oil-rich regions in the northeast, critical airports, and border crossings with Iraq and Turkiye. Moreover, the government is eager to take control of prisons holding approximately 9,000 suspected ISIL members currently guarded by the Kurds.
Patience with the group is running out. The SDF must not be an obstacle to Syria's stability.
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