Mazlum Abdi: SDF to join Syrian Army as four brigades

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

MUNICH, GERMANY —  Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader Mazlum Abdi announced on Monday that his fighters will integrate into the Syrian Defense Ministry as four specialized brigades, while renewing his call for diplomatic dialogue with Ankara.

Speaking to DW (Deutsche Welle) during a surprise visit to the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Abdi detailed the restructuring of his forces. He clarified that the SDF would not be dissolved but rather incorporated into the formal military hierarchy of the Syrian state under a new agreement reached with Damascus on January 29.

Integration into the Syrian Army

The question of whether tens of thousands of SDF members would join the army individually or as cohesive units has been a primary point of contention in negotiations. Abdi confirmed that the current plan involves the transition of the SDF into the Syrian Defense Ministry as "four brigades," maintaining a level of organizational continuity under their own commanders within the national framework.

"It has been decided that the SDF will be integrated into the Syrian Defense Ministry rather than being disbanded," Abdi stated. This move follows the landmark March 2025 memorandum aimed at consolidating military power in the post-Assad era.

Diplomatic signals to Ankara

Abdi also addressed the shifting dynamics with Turkey, observing what he described as a "limited but positive" change in Ankara’s stance toward the SDF. He emphasized that since the initial agreements with Damascus, the SDF has not posed a threat to Turkey and expressed hope for further progress in cooperation.

The SDF commander noted that the ongoing peace process within Turkey has a direct, beneficial impact on the situation in Syria. "The talks between the PKK and the Turkish state have a positive influence on the integration process of the SDF with the Syrian state," Abdi told reporters, highlighting the constructive role of Abdullah Öcalan in recent reconciliations with Damascus.

Regional models and political rights

During his time in Munich, Abdi met with several high-ranking officials, including Syrian Foreign Minister Hasan Şeybani, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. While detailed political rights were not finalized, Abdi noted that the protection of Kurdish identity remains a priority for ongoing negotiations with the central government.

When asked if the Iraqi Kurdistan model could serve as a blueprint for Syria, Abdi responded positively, calling it a "very successful model" that could provide valuable lessons for Syrian regions. However, he left the specifics of such an arrangement to future rounds of talks with the Syrian government. This integration process is viewed as a critical step in stabilizing the region following the intense clashes in early 2026, which saw the SDF cede significant territory.

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