SDF chief, gov’t envoy discuss implementing SDF-Damascus deal

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Saturday met with a delegation from Damascus to discuss implementing the agreement to integrate their civil and military institutions, as well as nationwide security concerns.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Rohlat Afrin, commander of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), met with Hussein al-Salama, chair of the government committee implementing their agreement, and committee member Muhammed Qanatri in Hasaka, northeast Syria (Rojava).

“The meeting discussed the completion of the agreement’s terms and emphasized the importance of continuing de-escalation and maintaining the cessation of hostilities throughout Syria, including the need to protect the Tishreen Dam from military operations,” the SDF said in a statement.

Tishreen Dam, located on the Euphrates River in northern Syria, has since November been the target of militia groups backed by Turkey looking to gain a key foothold that would give them easier access to other areas under SDF control. Ankara believes the Kurdish forces in Rojava have ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and considers them a security threat.

The dam has not come under attack for the past two weeks and authorities are taking this opportunity to repair damage caused by the conflict. The Kurdish administration is also in talks with Damascus about control of the dam.

The SDF has struck key deals with the interim government. The first and main one on March 10 was inked by Abdi and interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to integrate the SDF and Rojava’s civil institutions into Syria’s state institutions, including border crossings, Qamishli airport, and oil and gas fields.