Despite signing a political and military integration deal with Syria's new transitional government, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to recruit fighters and conduct training exercises, raising doubts about the future of the agreement.

A March agreement between so-called SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa stipulated that the SDF would be integrated into the Ministry of Defense and national institutions. However, since the signing, SDF activity has escalated.

Military courses have been launched in Hasakah, Raqqa, and al-Tabqa. Announcements from SDF units encouraged youth to join the Self-Protection Forces and Kurdish Front Forces, with over 130 fighters graduating from training programs by late May.

Strategic Delay or Defiance?

Analysts suggest the SDF is reinforcing its structure to negotiate as a united entity, not as dissolved factions. Nawar Shaaban of Harmoon Center noted the SDF’s insistence on preserving arms and command indicates a lack of trust in Damascus. Meanwhile, Osama Sheikh Ali of the Omran Center said the SDF is pushing for a two-division model within the national army, but under separate command.

Damascus has so far rejected any formula that maintains military independence for the SDF, leading to continued ambiguity over the agreement’s implementation.

U.S. Role and Regional Pressures

Ongoing American support for SDF counter-ISIS efforts grants the group leverage. The presence of external actors, especially Turkey's military pressure and Israeli airstrikes in the northeast, further complicates the roadmap to integration.

Both sides appear to be consolidating gains before any irreversible steps. The SDF wants to retain regional control, while Damascus insists on centralized authority, especially over weapons and border management.