Syria appoints presidential envoy to oversee SDF integration deal

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Syrian presidency has appointed a senior security official to oversee the implementation of a January agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), state media reported on Saturday.

According to a statement by the Media Directorate at the Presidency of the Republic, carried by Syria’s state-run SANA, “Brig. Gen. Ziad al-Ayesh has been appointed as a presidential representative to implement the January 29 agreement with the ‘SDF’ and to oversee the integration process, in a manner that ensures strengthening the presence of the state, removing obstacles, and activating government services for citizens.”

The move comes as Damascus and the SDF continue negotiations over the future of Kurdish-led institutions and security forces in northeast Syria.

The January 29 agreement laid the groundwork for integrating SDF-affiliated military and civil institutions into Syrian state structures, amid growing pressure on both sides to reach a long-term arrangement. Syrian officials have repeatedly stressed the principle of “one state, one army,” while the SDF has said any deal must preserve local administration and security stability in areas under its control.

Recent meetings between Syrian government representatives and officials from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) have focused on security coordination, and the provision of public services.