Syrian Integration Agreement Non-Compliance Claimed by Turkish Source, Regarding Kurdish-Led SDF
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed a historic accord with the Syrian government in March 2025, aiming to end their semi-autonomous status and unify control over key areas like borders and oil fields. The agreement, influenced by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan's call for a political solution, put pressure on the SDF to politically integrate rather than maintain their autonomy.
However, as of August 2025, the implementation of this accord is facing significant challenges and setbacks. Syria's government has recently refused to participate in planned meetings with the SDF in Paris, casting doubt on the integration's progress and signaling frustration with the Kurdish group's political moves.
Reports suggest that the SDF is not fully complying with the accord and continuing armed clashes at times, notably around Manbij and Aleppo. This undermines Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity, according to sources, which also reflect Turkey's view of the SDF as a terrorist organization and its expectations that the SDF disarm and fully integrate into the Syrian state apparatus.
One of the key sticking points is how the SDF forces will be integrated into the Syrian army: the SDF insists on joining as a unified bloc, whereas Damascus demands individual absorption of fighters. Negotiations on this and other practical steps remain stalled, and no full merger has yet occurred.
Turkey, which views the US-backed SDF as a terrorist organization, expects the SDF to abide by the deal to disarm and integrate into the Syrian state apparatus. However, the SDF's recent attacks in the outskirts of Manbij and Aleppo against the Syrian government are damaging Syria's political unity and territorial integrity.
Recent clashes between the SDF and government forces in Syria are causing damage to Syria's unity, with Turkey viewing the SDF's actions as a concern. The Turkish Defense Ministry did not specify any new actions or responses to the SDF's actions.
It is worth noting that the SDF is not adhering to the agreement signed with Syria's government this year to join the country's state institutions. The SDF's voice has become louder, possibly empowered by recent clashes in Syria's south.
In addition, the Turkish Defense Ministry source made a reference to the fighting between Druze and Bedouin forces last month, suggesting that the overall situation in Syria remains volatile.
References:
[1] Al-Monitor (2025). SDF and Syria's government reach accord on integration. [Online]. Available: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/03/sdf-syria-government-accord-integration.html
[2] Middle East Eye (2025). SDF-Syria government talks stall over integration details. [Online]. Available: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sdf-syria-government-talks-stall-integration-details
[3] Reuters (2025). Syria's government refuses to meet SDF in Paris, casting doubt on integration deal. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrias-government-refuses-meet-sdf-paris-casting-doubt-integration-deal-2025-08-01/
[4] Anadolu Agency (2025). SDF's refusal to disarm and integrate a concern for Turkey. [Online]. Available: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/sdf-s-refusal-to-disarm-and-integrate-a-concern-for-turkey/2189820
[5] The New Arab (2025). SDF's calls for constitutional review frustrate Syria's government. [Online]. Available: https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2025/8/3/sdf-s-calls-for-constitutional-review-frustrate-syria-s-government
- Despite the historic accord signed in March 2025, negotiations on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army remain stalled, as the SDF insists on joining as a unified bloc, while Damascus demands individual absorption of fighters.
- The middle east news outlets report that the SDF's recent attacks and failure to comply with the agreement, notably around Manbij and Aleppo, are damaging Syria's political unity and territorial integrity, and Turkey views this as a concern.
- In addition to the ongoing clashes between the SDF and government forces, references to the fighting between Druze and Bedouin forces last month suggest that the overall situation in Syria's east remains volatile and unresolved in the realm of war-and-conflicts and politics.
