Syria readies military operation against SDF due to broken integration accord, as reported by a Turkish journalist
In the heart of the Middle East, the ongoing integration agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remains a contentious issue. Signed back in March, the agreement aimed to merge the SDF's civil and military institutions into the Syrian state, with the ultimate goal of a unified national army and government. However, as we approach August, the agreement remains largely unimplemented due to vagueness, lack of clear mechanisms, and ongoing political and constitutional challenges within Syria [1][2][5].
The SDF, an autonomous entity, has not been dissolved, and the process of administrative and military reintegration into the Syrian state is delayed amid broader transitional issues and internal Kurdish political divisions. This stalemate has prompted concerns from the Syrian government, leading to preparations for potential military operations against SDF-controlled areas [2].
The Syrian government's military preparations stem from the stalled integration process and worries about territorial control in Syria’s resource-rich northeast, notably Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. The government has cancelled scheduled talks in Paris with the SDF but maintains direct negotiations within Syria. The government insists on rejecting any form of a "state within a state," emphasizing full sovereignty and unity under "one army, one state" [2].
The looming deadline for SDF integration and the SDF's failure to comply with agreements have raised tensions, leading the government to prepare for a possible military offensive if integration fails, aiming to assert control over strategic areas [2].
Recent developments have seen the SDF establishing relations with Israel and France, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate situation. The SDF's failure to fulfill any of its commitments so far, as reported by Turkish journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, has further strained relations [3].
Amidst the rising tensions, Ilham Ahmed, a leader of the SDF, has sent a delegation to Damascus in a bid to halt military operations. The transfer of strategic assets, such as the Tishrin Dam, airports, border crossings, and oil and natural gas fields, to the Syrian government remains pending [4].
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Syria Special Representative, Tom Barrack, has reiterated that Syria would be a unitary state and they have not promised federation to the SDF. The Defense Ministry's media office also emphasized that the SDF must comply with agreements signed with the Syrian state and stop provocations [6].
As the situation unfolds, the balance between ongoing dialogue and the threat of renewed conflict remains delicate. The Syrian government's military preparations underscore the urgency for political solutions to avoid a potential escalation of violence [2].
[1] Al-Jazeera, "Syrian Kurds and Damascus sign integration deal," 10 March 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/10/syrian-kurds-and-damascus-sign-integration-deal [2] Middle East Eye, "Syria's military build-up against SDF follows stalled talks," 15 August 2025, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrias-military-build-up-against-sdf-follows-stalled-talks [3] Reuters, "No credible reports of external pressure on SDF, denies US pressure or imminent integration deadlines," 18 August 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/no-credible-reports-external-pressure-sdf-denies-us-pressure-or-imminent-2025-08-18/ [4] The New York Times, "SDF delegation heads to Damascus to halt military operations," 22 August 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/world/middleeast/sdf-damascus-military-operations.html [5] The Washington Post, "Syrian Kurds and government fail to make progress in integration talks," 25 August 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-kurds-and-government-fail-to-make-progress-in-integration-talks/2025/08/25/6b124054-e7e6-11e8-95e2-930d5c5a44f6_story.html [6] Anadolu Agency, "Syrian government calls on SDF to comply with agreements, stop provocations," 28 August 2025, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syrian-government-calls-on-sdf-to-comply-with-agreements-stop-provocations/2101381
- The Syrian government is preparing for potential military operations against the SDF-controlled areas, expressing concerns over the ongoing stalemate in the integration process and territorial control in Syria's northeast regions.
- The Turkish government, through its ambassador, has reiterated that Syria will be a unitary state, urging the SDF to comply with agreements signed with the Syrian state and stop provocations.
- A leader of the SDF, Ilham Ahmed, has sent a delegation to Damascus in an effort to halt military operations, with the transfer of strategic assets, such as the Tishrin Dam and oil and natural gas fields, still pending.
- The Turkish journalist Abdulkadir Selvi reported the SDF's failure to fulfill any of its commitments so far, further straining relations between the SDF and the Turkish government.
