Syrian defense delegation in NE Syria's Hasakah to advance SDF integration into national forces

DAMASCUS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of Syria's defense authorities arrived in the northeastern city of Hasakah on Friday to coordinate procedures of integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national military, advancing an internationally-backed ceasefire and phased integration deal signed on Jan. 30.

The visit, reported by state news agency SANA and the SDF media outlets, focuses on procedures for incorporating SDF fighters into the security forces.

Yet the reports spelled no further details about the progress.

The push for integration comes after major political shifts in Damascus in December 2024, when Ahmed al-Sharaa, now Syria's interim leader, seized power from Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president.

In January, the interim authorities launched an offensive against SDF-held areas, citing violations of prior ceasefires, before an internationally-mediated deal halted fighting that killed hundreds and displaced thousands.

Under the deal, the SDF is to withdraw from frontlines, hand over heavy weapons, border crossings, oil fields and key infrastructure like Qamishli Airport to the interim authorities. In exchange, selected SDF units will join state structures.

Earlier this week, as part of the deal, Syria's internal security forces entered into SDF-held areas, including Hasakah and Qamishli, where joint checkpoints and patrols have been established.

While global mediators are monitoring the deal's progress, local tensions remain over issues such as the role of Kurdish security units and minority rights. ■