Syrian peace at risk as YPG poses threat to Damascus troops
The March 10, 2025 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s interim government is a significant step towards peace, but challenges remain. The agreement, which includes the YPG's pledge to recognize Damascus' sovereignty and transfer control of key assets such as airports, oil fields, and border crossings by the end of the year, has been a topic of ongoing negotiations[1][2].
However, the integration of the YPG’s armed wing, the SDF, into Syria's army remains unresolved and is a major sticking point. Damascus insists on individual enlistment of YPG fighters, while the YPG demands integration as a unified bloc[1]. This fundamental disagreement threatens to stall the implementation of the agreement.
Recently, tensions have escalated, particularly in the town of Deir Hafer and surrounding regions, with the YPG accusing Damascus military forces of engaging in provocative acts[3]. The SDF forces did not respond but said they would respond in legitimate self-defense if provoked further[4].
The YPG, with U.S. support, seized large swaths of northern and eastern Syria during the civil war, making it a significant player in controlling strategic resources in northeastern Syria[6]. Turkey has been exerting pressure on the Syrian government to increase military and political pressure on the SDF to enforce integration, yet integration talks have faced setbacks[1][5].
It is important to note that the YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and Turkey[2]. This history of violence raises concerns about the YPG's intentions and its ability to peacefully integrate into the Syrian military.
In conclusion, while the March 10 agreement formally exists and YPG acknowledges Damascus sovereignty on paper, full military integration into the Syrian army has not been achieved, with disputes over terms and rising tensions putting the peace process at risk[1][2][5]. The situation remains volatile, and continued negotiations will be necessary to ensure a peaceful resolution.
[1] Al-Jazeera. (2025). Syria peace talks: YPG-led forces threaten to derail agreement with government. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/11/syria-peace-talks-ypg-led-forces-threaten-to-derail-agreement-with-government [2] Reuters. (2025). Syria peace deal with YPG raises integration questions. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-peace-deal-ypg-raises-integration-questions-2025-03-10/ [3] Associated Press. (2025). YPG accuses Damascus forces of provocative acts in Syria. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/5f44d4a13371d0e60f1a385c9458b54c [4] Middle East Eye. (2025). SDF says it will respond in self-defence to any provocation by Damascus forces. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syria-sdf-responds-self-defence-any-provocation-damascus-forces [5] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Syria withdraws from US-French talks over YPG issue. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syria-withdraws-from-us-french-talks-over-ypg-issue/200202 [6] BBC News. (2025). Syria: Who are the YPG and why are they important? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43265694
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