Meryem İbrahim, spokesperson of the Negotiation Committee for the SDF-affiliated Autonomous Administration, claimed over the past hour ending at 4:45 PM UTC on January 2, 2026, that a military integration roadmap with Damascus has become clear, to be implemented in coming days with three military divisions and two special brigades under the Syrian army umbrella in northeast Syria. According to an X post by @bedbolukbasi published within the reporting window from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM UTC, İbrahim stated Syrian government forces will not enter SDF-controlled areas, with SDF continuing border security and defense duties on behalf of the state. She quoted, "There is hope that the agreement will be realized in the coming days. There is flexibility and acceptance on both sides." İbrahim added, “Although there is no specific date, we expect the implementation to start in the first days of 2026,” and noted the process, originally slated for 2025, progressed slowly but continues. She specified one brigade will consist of YPJ female fighters and the other the YAT Anti-Terrorism Unit, as reported in the X post. Further quotes from İbrahim include, “When we say there will be three divisions and two brigades, they will ultimately be under the umbrella of the Syrian army,” and “The SDF will protect the Northern and Eastern Syrian regions and preserve the territorial integrity of Syria. However, the issue of Damascus government forces coming directly to the North and East was not discussed.” She emphasized, “The SDF will remain in Northern and Eastern Syria and Damascus forces will not go there. There is no need for another force to come, because we are all Syrians; we have one army and one sovereignty,” according to the source. The statement also referenced recent softening of Turkey's attitude and ongoing contacts.
