Abdi announces the formation of a military committee to head to Damascus to discuss integration mechanisms into the Syrian army

In a new development on the security and political tracks, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, revealed the formation of a military committee that will soon head to Damascus to discuss integration mechanisms within the Syrian army, in a step described by observers as representing a new beginning in the path of unifying the military institution.

This came during a speech delivered by Abdi at a celebration marking the anniversary of the establishment of his forces, where he stated: "The committee will discuss the details and mechanisms for integrating the SDF into the Syrian National Army," adding that "the anti-terrorism units of the forces will continue their missions in pursuing ISIS across the country, in coordination with the Syrian authorities."

In the context of accelerating these steps, the Syrian Defense Minister, General Marhef Abu Qasra, announced an agreement for a ceasefire with the SDF commander. News agencies quoted Abu Qasra as saying in a post on the "X" platform: "I met with Mr. Mazloum Abdi and we agreed on a comprehensive ceasefire in all axes and military deployment points in northern and northeastern Syria, to be implemented immediately."

These developments came against the backdrop of a meeting held by the Syrian President, Ahmad al-Shara, in Damascus with the U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Brack, and the commander of the U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, in the presence of several senior Syrian officials.

A statement issued by the presidency indicated that the meeting "discussed the implementation of the agreement of March 10 between the Syrian government and the SDF, ensuring the preservation of Syrian territorial unity and national sovereignty," noting that "the two sides emphasized the necessity of implementing the agreement comprehensively to maintain security and stability in the northeast and prepare for a new political phase based on national partnership."

The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, the Defense Minister, Marhef Abu Qasra, and the head of the General Intelligence Directorate, Hussein al-Salama, where they discussed "security and military files in northern and eastern Syria, and ways to control the field situation and prevent escalation."

For his part, the U.S. envoy to Syria, Thomas Brack, described his meetings with President al-Shara and Mazloum Abdi as "wonderful and constructive." Brack confirmed in statements reported by "Al Arabiya" that "the two sides agreed to solidify the ceasefire and build trust between the Syrian parties."

Brack pointed out that he "discussed with President al-Shara the mechanisms for implementing the March 10 agreement in a way that ensures the success of the integration process and stability in the northeast," emphasizing that "things are moving in the right direction towards consolidating the calm and rebuilding trust among all Syrian parties."

It is noteworthy that U.S. envoy Brack and Admiral Cooper had previously held a series of meetings in northeastern Syria with Mazloum Abdi and several local leaders, focusing on accelerating the implementation of the terms of the March 10 agreement with Damascus.