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Germany Calls for Disarming the "Syrian Democratic Forces" and Integrating Them into the Syrian Government Forces
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the necessity of disarming the "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF) and integrating them into the government forces in Damascus. This statement followed her talks with her Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in the capital Ankara on Friday, December 20.
In a press conference, Baerbock explained that securing the rights of the Kurds is essential for a free Syria, but Turkish security concerns must also be addressed to ensure stability. She highlighted the importance of "disarming Kurdish groups and integrating them into the national security structure."
The issue of the SDF was also present in discussions with a U.S. delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, who met with the commander of the "Military Operations Administration" in Syria, Ahmed Al-Shara (Abu Mohammad Al-Julani), in Damascus. This marked the first official meeting between the General Command and the United States since the collapse of Bashar Al-Assad's regime, and the first visit by U.S. diplomats to Damascus since 2012.
Following the meeting, Leaf reported in a virtual press conference that the circumstances that led the Kurds to defend themselves in northeastern Syria have changed significantly. She affirmed that a ceasefire in the city of Ain al-Arab/Kobani and a planned transition of the SDF's role are among the best ways forward.
The U.S. delegation also emphasized the importance of integration and broad consultation during the transitional phase in Syria. On another note, the "Military Operations Administration," along with the Southern Operations Room, managed to reach the capital Damascus and overthrow the previous regime on December 8.
In this context, the commander of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi, stated that the "Military Operations Administration" and its approach to dealing with fundamental issues will determine whether Syria moves toward stability or escalation, referring to a "historic opportunity" to build a new Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.
The "Military Operations Administration" seized parts of Deir ez-Zor province from the SDF on December 11 and expelled the "Freedom Dawn Operations Room" from areas in the Aleppo countryside, including Manbij.
These statements come amid increasing military and political pressures on the SDF since the regime's collapse. Abdi acknowledged on Thursday the presence of foreign fighters within his ranks, indicating his willingness to withdraw them if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
He also called on the United States to pressure Turkey to prevent any potential attack on the city of Ain al-Arab, although the Turkish Ministry of Defense clarified that it had not agreed to any ceasefire operation with the SDF in Syria.
