Syria’s defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has announced that the government is open to negotiating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) about integrating them into the national army. However, he warned that if talks fail, the government is prepared to use force.
“The door to negotiation with the (Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces) is currently open,” Abu Qasra tells reporters. “If we have to use force, we will be ready.”
While the SDF reportedly offered to share oil revenues with Damascus, Abu Qasra dismissed the proposal, stating that Syria seeks control over “institutions and borders” rather than oil.
The SDF, which played a key role in defeating ISIS in 2019 with U.S. support, controls much of Syria’s oil-rich northeast. The region has been governed autonomously by Kurdish-led forces for more than a decade.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi earlier said that the group will not disband or surrender its weapons but is open to negotiations for incorporation into Syria’s future military structure.
Negotiations have reportedly begun, with an SDF delegation meeting Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim leader, last month. Sharaa emphasized the need for all weapons to be under state control as part of any agreement.
Despite ongoing negotiations, tensions remain high due to Turkey’s opposition to the SDF. Ankara views the group as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which it considers a terrorist organization. Turkish-backed forces have recently seized SDF-controlled areas in northern Syria, further complicating talks.
The United Nations has urged both sides to prioritize diplomacy. It has also called on international powers, including the U.S. and Turkey, to support a peaceful resolution.
