26.12.2025 16:10
As the integration of the SDF into the army in Syria turns into a long story, the spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces, Ferhad Shami, stated that Mazlum Abdi will go to Damascus before the New Year to negotiate the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army.
Despite the expected step from the terrorist organization SDG, which is anticipated to integrate into the Syrian army within the framework of the March 10 agreement, it has not yet arrived with only 5 days remaining. Following the statements from the Damascus administration that "we have suspended contacts with the SDG," Mazlum Abdi made a swift move.
SDG SPOKESPERSON MADE A STATEMENT
SDG Spokesperson Ferhad Shami stated in an interview with Saudi Arabia-based Al-Arabiya that there is an understanding of "pre-agreement" between the SDG and the Syrian government. Shami expressed that the final agreement would only be possible after resolving disagreements on how the integration will be carried out and how the country's administrative structure will be shaped.
MAZLUM ABDI IS GOING TO DAMASCUS
Shami noted that the main purpose of SDG leader Mazlum Abdi's planned visit to Damascus before the New Year is to transform the agreement reached in March into a final text. The spokesperson stated that the talks in Damascus would be conducted under the guarantee of the USA, France, the United Kingdom, and some unnamed Arab countries. Shami claimed that the Damascus administration is imposing its own model for integration, which does not align with the proposals of the SDG and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
Shami indicated that mutual proposals have been presented in the last two months as part of the negotiations, emphasizing that the SDG's demand is not for the complete dissolution of the structure, but for a model that will preserve its political and administrative uniqueness.
Shami stated, "All agreements concern how the Syrian Democratic Forces will integrate into the Syrian army... We all agree on the necessity of political, military, and administrative integration," while also mentioning that serious disagreements continue regarding how the integration will take place.
In response to the question of whether the SDG's demand for local governance implies independence, Shami stated that this does not reflect the truth, asserting that such a scenario is unrealistic in a geography squeezed between Turkey and Iraq. Additionally, Shami argued that there is a tacit agreement regarding local governance in the March 10 agreement, while the journalist conducting the interview reminded him that this expression is not explicitly stated in the text.
SHAMI DENIED ISRAEL ALLEGATIONS
In a December 23 article by the Washington Post, it was claimed that Israel was conducting a comprehensive secret operation to arm and finance Druze militias in Suwayda. The report alleged that the SDG played a mediating role in this process, transferring financial resources to the Druze "Military Council" and providing training to some Druze fighters in Kurdish regions.
Ferhad Shami categorically denied these allegations. Stating that the SDG has no connection with Israel, Shami said, "If such a relationship existed, the SDG would not constantly be subjected to attacks from regional actors." He also noted that such an activity is geographically impossible, stating, "There is more than 500 kilometers between our region and Suwayda, and there are areas controlled by the Damascus administration in between."
Shami also rejected allegations regarding financial aid, arguing that there are contradictions within the Washington Post article. Reminding that the report stated Israel dropped weapons and ammunition from the air to Suwayda, Shami asked, "If Israel can drop weapons from the air, why would it need the SDG for money? It can also drop money from the air."
Shami claimed that Turkey uses the allegations against Israel to legitimize its military presence in Syria, asserting that Turkey has more than 80 military points in Syrian territory and has established eight new bases following the regime's collapse. Shami stated, "These justifications are an attempt to legitimize Turkey's intervention in Syria."
ÖCALAN'S MESSAGE
In the interview, questions were also raised about claims that PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan sent a message to the SDG. Shami acknowledged that such a message exists, but stated that its content is not as reflected to the public. He also denied allegations that there are foreign elements within the SDG, stating that the foreigners in the SDG ranks are individuals who voluntarily participated in the fight against ISIS during the Kobani siege.
Another factor increasing the urgency of the talks with Damascus was the clashes occurring in Aleppo. Shami argued that the clashes were initiated by government-affiliated but uncontrolled groups. He stated that the SDG has presented images and reports to international mediators, including the USA, saying, "The SDG is committed to peace. The civilians in Sheikh Maqsud are innocent." Shami noted that if ceasefire violations continue, the process will become even more fragile.