Intensive Negotiations to Address the Status of SDF in Syria
Reports indicate that regional and international negotiators are involved in discussions focusing on the future of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Jan. 21, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The fate of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is under intense discussion in the political and security circles in Syria, sources told Kurdistan24.
Comprehensive talks between SDF and political and security leaders of the new Syrian administration are ongoing aimed at resolving the status of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the new Syrian legitimate army.
The discussions reflect the new administration's efforts to unify all armed factions under the authority of the national army.
Reports indicate that regional and international negotiators are involved in discussions focusing on the future of the SDF, who are considered key allies by Washington in the battle against ISIS. However, Turkey views the SDF as a national security threat.
Kurdistan24 sources in Syria reported that diplomatic and military negotiators from the United States, Turkey, The New Syrian Administration, and the SDF are heavily engaged in serious talks to decide about a reasonable formula that satisfies all parties.
These discussions could pave the way for a deal in the coming months, potentially involving the relocation of some Kurdish fighters from northeastern Syria and the integration of others into the country's newly formed Ministry of Defense. However, multiple contentious issues remain unresolved.
Negotiating parties have acknowledged in different occasions that the talks are "highly complex" and will require considerable time to reach a conclusion. On Sunday, the new Syrian administration defense minister Murhaf Abu Qasra stated, that allowing Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria to maintain a "separate bloc" within the national armed forces would not be acceptable.
Abu Qasra also criticized SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, accusing him of delaying the resolution of the matter.
Abdi, in a televised interview on Sunday, expressed openness to aligning with the Syrian Ministry of Defense but insisted on retaining the SDF as a cohesive military unit rather than integrating its members individually.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned of "severe consequences" for Syria and the broader region if a political resolution for northeastern Syria is not achieved.
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