Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi participated in a meeting in Damascus on October 12th, 2025, where they agreed to integrate SDF units into the Syrian army and merge the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) with the Syrian Ministry of Interior's forces, according to Syria TV. The understandings, brokered by American envoy Tom Barrack and with the participation of US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper, stipulate the inclusion of three SDF divisions and several military brigades into the Syrian army, to be stationed in Al-Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor. Abdi and Al-Sharaa also agreed to form joint committees to expedite the integration process, which will see the SDF and Asayish forces eventually cease to exist under their current names, with members adopting the designations of the Syrian government-approved military divisions and security forces. SDF will retain leadership roles in security forces and divisions in northern and eastern Syria, with the Syrian government appointing officials by consensus from regional residents. This significant development follows earlier reports on October 12th, 2025, that Damascus had expressed willingness to amend the interim constitution, accept decentralization, and verbally agreed to SDF integration into the Syrian army. Commander Abdi had also indicated that a joint force with Damascus to fight ISIS was under consideration following a U.S. proposal. The current integration agreement was reached under American sponsorship.
