A senior official in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has revealed that most SDF members have been integrated into Syrian state structures, while around 8,000 fighters are still awaiting the completion of arrangements for their absorption.
The process is part of ongoing understandings between Damascus and the SDF to organise the situation in northeast Syria and implement the agreement to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army.
The official, who requested anonymity, told the Kurdish network Rudaw on Tuesday, 16 June, that thousands of SDF fighters have already joined the Syrian government's ministries of defence and interior.
The two ministries are currently responsible for paying their salaries and providing various benefits, in addition to supporting the families of those killed and wounded.
According to the official, 4,000 fighters have been integrated into the Syrian Internal Security Forces, while another 5,000 have joined newly formed brigades in northeast Syria.
A further 1,000 fighters have returned to the Afrin region, while another 2,000 are expected to join a military division there.
He added that discussions are still ongoing regarding the integration of approximately 8,000 remaining fighters.
He also explained that the number of SDF personnel exceeds the number originally allocated for absorption into the new brigades, necessitating continued negotiations to find suitable solutions and positions to accommodate everyone.
These developments come as part of implementing the agreement concluded between Damascus and the SDF at the beginning of this year, following weeks of tensions and clashes .
The agreement aims to integrate civil and military institutions in northeast Syria into state institutions.
Despite both sides confirming progress on several issues, matters related to force structure, command arrangements and administrative powers in the region remain under negotiation.
In the same context, Hasakah Governor Nour al-Din Ahmad told the same network that meetings he held in Damascus over recent days with parties concerned with integrating the province's institutions were "very positive".
He noted that the meetings included the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, as well as a presidential team headed by Ziad al-Ayesh.
Ahmad added that most issues related to the process of integrating and activating public administrations and institutions in Hasakah had been discussed.
He said that obstacles that had hindered progress "have been resolved", allowing procedures to accelerate over the coming days.
At the same time, he confirmed that "new and positive steps" will be taken during this week.
Regarding the Nusaybin border crossing with Turkey, the Hasakah governor denied reports that it would open within days.
He explained that opening the crossing will take more time and that it was decided to postpone the step, which will not take place this week.
Syrian Deputy Defence Minister for the Eastern Region Brigadier General Siban Hamo announced the completion of the integration of four SDF brigades into the Ministry of Defence. The move was carried out under a comprehensive agreement reached by Damascus with the Kurdish militia on 30 January 2026.
The agreement stipulated the launch of an integrated political, security, and military process to bring the northeastern region, which had been controlled by the SDF for years, into the fold.
At the time, the agreement included the launch of a gradual integration process that would involve the formation of a new military division affiliated with the Syrian army, comprising three brigades of SDF fighters.
It also included a brigade from the Ain al-Arab forces, which would be administratively affiliated with Aleppo province. Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here .