Turkey expects SDF integration deal to be completely ‘swiftly’

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkey expects the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) integration into the new government in Damascus to be completed “swiftly” and says it is closely watching developments on the ground, a Turkish defense ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

“We expect the integration process between the Syrian government and the SDF to be completed quickly, and we are closely monitoring developments on the ground and taking all necessary measures in line with our country’s interests,” Turkish Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zeki Akturk said during a press conference.

“We remind you that there is no other possibility than integration that strengthens Syria’s unitary structure and the principle of one state, one army,” he added.

The remarks come as Damascus and the SDF continue implementing a recent ceasefire and political deal aimed at incorporating Kurdish-led forces and governance structures in northeast Syria into state institutions. The agreement includes military integration steps and the gradual deployment of Syrian state security forces into key cities such as Hasaka and Qamishli, while local Kurdish-led security units are expected to be absorbed into the interior ministry framework.

Turkey, which views the SDF as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has repeatedly said that the group must integrate into Syrian state structures rather than maintain an autonomous military presence. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that Ankara is satisfied with steps taken toward alignment between Damascus and Kurdish forces and is closely following how the process develops.

Despite early progress, analysts and officials warn that implementation could face setbacks due to competing interpretations of integration terms and ongoing security sensitivities in mixed areas of northeast Syria.

Ankara has consistently said it supports Syria’s unity under the principle of “one state, one army,” signaling that Turkey will continue to track the integration process as a key factor shaping the next phase of Syria’s political and security landscape.