Syria Rejects Kurdish Forces' Military Bloc Proposal

Syria's new defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has stated that the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) cannot remain as a distinct military bloc within the Syrian armed forces, emphasizing the need for full integration into a unified command structure. He criticized the SDF leadership for procrastinating in negotiations and asserted that their inclusion in the Defense Ministry is a right of the Syrian state. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi responded by stating that the group is open to discussions but is unwilling to disband or surrender their arms, stressing the importance of a joint agreement to avoid future conflicts. The SDF, which controls a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria, remains a key ally of the U.S. against ISIS, but is viewed as a security threat by Turkey. The ongoing tension highlights the complexities of integrating various factions within Syria's fragmented military landscape, especially following the recent political shifts after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. The situation remains fluid as both sides seek a resolution that addresses their respective security concerns.