ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Most members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been integrated into state-affiliated structures, with only 8,000 fighters yet to be accommodated, a senior SDF official said on Tuesday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Rudaw that thousands of SDF members have been integrated into Syria's interim defense and interior ministries, which now provide salaries and other benefits. The ministries also support the families of fallen and wounded fighters.
According to the official, 4,000 fighters have joined Syria's internal security forces, while 5,000 have been incorporated into newly formed brigades in northeast Syria (Rojava). Another 1,000 fighters have returned to their hometown of Afrin, and 2,000 others are expected to return in the future to join a division there.
Discussions are continuing over the integration of the remaining 8,000 fighters, the source said.
"The number of SDF fighters is far greater than the number originally allocated to be accommodated within the brigades. Therefore, discussions and negotiations are continuing to find solutions and positions for all fighters," the official explained.
The comments come as Damascus and the SDF continue implementing an agreement, they signed in January following weeks of clashes, aimed at integrating civilian and military institutions in northeast Syria into the Syrian state. While both sides have reported progress in recent months, key issues—including the future structure of SDF forces, command arrangements, and administrative authority in the northeast—remain under discussion.
Syrian officials and SDF representatives have repeatedly said they are committed to completing the integration process through dialogue and negotiations.
Nalin Hassan contributed to this article.
