Erdogan Demands SDF Complete Integration With Syrian Government

Latest Developments

• Erdogan Demanding Full Kurdish Integration: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Syrian Kurds to integrate with the Syrian government following a ceasefire between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the government. “The Syrian Democratic Forces must keep their word. They must complete their integration with Syria,” Erdogan stated on October 7. SDF forces, which control parts of Syria’s north and northeast, have clashed with Turkey and Syria’s transitional government over demands for a decentralized Kurdish-led government. Turkey views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which it has been fighting domestically. “Syria’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable for us. We cannot accept any stance against this,” Erdogan added.
• Ceasefire Announced After Deadly Clashes: An immediate comprehensive ceasefire between the SDF and the Syrian government’s security forces was announced on October 7 by Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi after a meeting in Damascus that included U.S. envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack and the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Adm. Brad Cooper. The previous night, SDF fighters and security forces had clashed in two neighborhoods of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, during which a government soldier and a civilian were killed and several others were injured.
• Failed Integration Despite Agreement: In March, the government and the SDF reached an agreement to integrate the SDF-governed areas and military forces into national bodies. The deal has not been implemented because of SDF concerns over the Syrian Army’s treatment of minority groups in the wake of its massacres of members of the Alawite and Druze communities. In September, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa warned that “Turkey may take military action” against the SDF “if integration is not achieved by December.”

FDD Expert Response

“The SDF played an integral role in the U.S.-led coalition that dismantled the ISIS caliphate, losing thousands of troops in battle. It continues to play an integral role in preventing an ISIS comeback. Washington should insist on a peaceful settlement and make clear to Ankara and Damascus that their use of force is out of bounds.” — David Adesnik, Vice President of Research

“Erdogan’s continued attempt to force Syria’s Kurds to ‘integrate’ does not take into consideration the fundamental concerns of the SDF: that the Sharaa regime cannot guarantee the safety and security of Kurds, as well as the rights of minorities in Syria. Sunni vigilantes within the regime’s security establishment continuously resort to violence in an attempt to subdue minority voices. These occurrences and Turkish pressure do not ensure Syria’s continued stability and unity.” — Sinan Ciddi, Senior Fellow

“The United States remains a pivotal actor in preserving peace and stability in northeastern Syria, as the events of this week have shown. The efforts of Barrack and Cooper were instrumental in easing tensions. Now is the time to press both sides to implement the March agreement — one that grants the SDF the political and security guarantees it has long demanded and ensures that Syria does not become divided.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Ceasefire Gives Breathing Room to Syrian Government and Kurdish-Led Forces,” by Ahmad Sharawi

“After sectarian clashes in Aleppo, US, SDF, and Syrian government officials meet in Damascus,” by Seth J. Frantzman

“New Syrian Parliament Takes Shape as Local Bodies Appoint Legislators Under Post-Assad Interim Constitution,” FDD Flash Brief