In an interview with the Associated Press (AP), Abdi said thousands of SDF members would be reorganized into regular army units under Syria’s Defense Ministry, calling the deal “a step toward rebuilding the nation.”

Tens of Thousands of Group Members to Integrate

Abdi claimed that tens of thousands of armed units and internal security forces affiliated with the group will be incorporated into the Syrian Army as restructured military units in line with the Defense Ministry’s regulations.
He added that SDF members would hold “high ranks” in the new Syrian Army, arguing that their combat experience would strengthen the military. The group’s police structure will also be absorbed into central security forces.

Message to Türkiye: No Need for Intervention

Abdi noted that Türkiye regards the SDF as an extension of the PKK, saying, “If we Syrians reach an agreement among ourselves, there will be no justification for Türkiye to intervene.” However, Ankara’s security circles warn that integrating SDF into the Syrian Army risks legitimizing the PKK/YPG presence.

First Concrete Step in 14 Years

Although the integration agreement was signed in March 2025, its implementation has been delayed. Abdi emphasized that the process is more than a military merger, describing it as the “reconstruction of the nation.” Once implemented, this would mark the first tangible step toward military and administrative unification in Syria after 14 years of civil war.