Quick Read
- Syria’s new government is working to integrate Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state structures.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently acknowledged these integration efforts.
- The new Syrian administration is simultaneously battling Assad loyalist militias in Latakia and ISIL in Deir Az Zor.
- The government is cracking down on ‘deep state’ cells and reducing Hezbollah’s influence, forcing its operations underground.
- These efforts are part of a broader strategy to stabilize Syria and reassert central control after years of conflict.
DAMASCUS (Azat TV) – Syria’s transitional government is actively pursuing the integration of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into its state structures, a significant political development recently acknowledged by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This move comes as the new administration, which assumed power in December 2024 following the collapse of the Assad regime, grapples with a complex internal security landscape, including clashes with remnants of the former government and ongoing attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL).
The effort to bring Kurdish-led forces into the national framework represents a critical step in the nation’s post-conflict stabilization and the government’s broader strategy to reassert central control. President Erdogan’s statement, made just four days ago, signals a potentially shifting regional dynamic and an international acknowledgment of Syria’s internal restructuring efforts.
Syria’s New Political Direction and Kurdish Integration
The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working to consolidate power and establish a unified state after years of civil war and fragmentation. This includes a clear departure from the previous regime’s alliances, particularly with Iran and Hezbollah, which has generated tensions between Damascus and the Iranian-backed Lebanese group. The integration of the Kurdish-led SDF is seen as a crucial component of this new political direction, aiming to reduce internal divisions and bring diverse armed groups under state authority.
As part of its reorientation, the Syrian government has also sought to improve ties with neighboring countries. This includes a reported ‘fresh start’ in relations with Lebanon, where both Damascus and Beirut now have new administrations that are opposed to Hezbollah, according to Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, who spoke to Anadolu.
Battling Internal Threats: Assad Loyalists and ISIL
While pursuing political integration, the Syrian government faces formidable internal security challenges. Recent reports from Al Jazeera indicate the government is engaged in ‘twin battles’ on multiple fronts. In the Alawite-majority coastal province of Latakia, clashes erupted between Syrian internal security forces and a shadowy armed group known as ‘Saraya al-Jawad’ (al-Jawad Brigades). This militia is reportedly linked to remnants of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime and is accused of carrying out destabilization campaigns, including assassinations and bombings.
Simultaneously, ISIL continues to pose a significant threat in the eastern parts of the country. The extremist group claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on security outposts in Deir Az Zor province, resulting in the deaths of several security personnel. Interior Minister Anas Khattab linked these simultaneous flare-ups, accusing ‘remnants of the previous regime and ISIL’ of attempting to ‘tamper with the country’s security and target its successes,’ underscoring the complex and coordinated nature of the threats.
Consolidating Control and Hezbollah’s Receding Influence
The new Syrian administration is also actively working to dismantle ‘deep state’ armed cells and reassert centralized control across the country. This includes intense pressure on groups like Hezbollah, whose presence in Syria is reportedly receding from established bases to more covert cells. A recent announcement by the Syrian government regarding the dismantling of a cell accused of firing rockets into Damascus’ Mezzeh district highlights these efforts, as reported by The Media Line.
Hezbollah, which previously enjoyed unimpeded movement across Syria to support the Assad regime, now faces a strategic loss of its land corridor. This shift forces the group to rely more on smuggling and limited access, with pressure coming from multiple directions, including the new Syrian government, the Lebanese army, and US Treasury sanctions targeting its financial apparatus. The Syrian government’s focus on identifying and neutralizing sleeper cells indicates its determination to prevent any resurgence of destabilizing elements.
The integration of Kurdish-led forces into state structures, alongside the new Syrian government’s multifaceted fight against various internal and external threats, underscores a complex and challenging transition. These efforts reflect a strategic pivot aimed at establishing a unified, stable, and centrally controlled state after years of devastating conflict and shifting alliances.