Syrian Kurdish Forces Announce Integration into State Institutions

Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced the completion of his forces' integration into Syrian state institutions, a move welcomed by Syrian officials as a significant step toward national unity.

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there is a difference between announcing an integration decision and completing its implementation on the ground.

The announcement came during celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Qamishli's founding. Abdi stated that the military, security, and administrative integration aligns with the January 29 agreement, aiming to dissolve "dual structures and parallel entities" and establish "one state, one army and unified institutions." Syrian officials, including Ahmed al-Hilali, deputy governor of Hasakah province, described the declaration as a "positive development" and a transition from understandings to actual implementation.

Al-Hilali, who also serves as spokesperson for the presidential team overseeing integration, noted that while the announcement is significant, its practical implementation on the ground remains crucial. He highlighted that steps like removing partisan symbols and flags from public spaces indicate progress. However, he stressed that the process is not definitively resolved by statements alone and requires concrete measures to institutionalize the integration, ensuring Syrian state institutions become the sole authority.

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integration was “complex and intertwined and cannot be concluded with a statement.”

Despite the positive reception, some observers expressed caution. Syrian Kurdish writer and political researcher Ali Tami described the integration process as "complex and intertwined" and not easily concluded with a single statement. Tami also questioned Abdi's assertion that foreign fighters had left the region, pointing out the continued presence of thousands of foreign fighters and remnants of the former regime in Hasakah.

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an important and positive development

Officials like al-Hilali reiterated that the ultimate objective is to translate the decisions into a fully institutionalized reality, unifying administrative, security, and military decision-making under the Syrian state. This unification is seen as essential for restoring the state's full powers and ensuring Syrian sovereignty.

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What was announced, together with earlier steps, such as removing partisan symbols and flags from institutions and public squares, confirms that the process is moving forward.