Türkiye Says SDF Must Integrate into Syrian Army, Accuses Israel of Interference

On December 13, 2025, Türkiye"s Ministry of National Defense issued a statement asserting that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have no option but to comply with a March 10 agreement mandating their integration into the Syrian army. The Turkish government accused Israel of encouraging the SDF to delay this integration through its actions in Syria.

Key Details

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense highlighted that the SDF, which is predominantly composed of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), is currently acting in violation of the agreement signed in Damascus. This agreement was established between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. Türkiye regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it designates as a terrorist organization.

Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk emphasized that the ongoing activities of the SDF, which have not transitioned to integration despite the March 10 accord, are detrimental to stability and security in Syria. He clarified that SDF members are required to join the Syrian army as individuals rather than as an autonomous entity.

In a related statement, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan linked the SDF"s hesitance to implement the March 10 agreement to Israeli actions in Syria. Fidan suggested that the SDF would only reach an understanding with the Syrian government regarding integration once Israel finds common ground with Syria. He argued that the SDF"s current position is not solely a matter of its own decision-making but is significantly influenced by Israel"s involvement in the region.

Fidan also noted that the agreement had initially received backing from Türkiye, the United States, and Syria. However, he expressed concern that progress has stalled due to the YPG/SDF"s reluctance to take the necessary steps towards integration.

In a demonstration of military action, the Turkish forces reported the destruction of 732 kilometers of SDF tunnels in northern and northeastern Syria, including four kilometers in the city of Manbij. This military effort underscores Türkiye"s commitment to countering the SDF"s presence in the region.

Background

The SDF has been a key player in the Syrian conflict, particularly in the fight against ISIS. However, its ties to the YPG have made it a contentious issue for Türkiye, which has long viewed the PKK and its affiliates as a direct threat to its national security. The March 10 agreement aimed to facilitate the SDF"s integration into the Syrian army as part of a broader effort to stabilize the region and reduce tensions.

Israel"s involvement in Syria has been a complex issue, with the country conducting operations against Iranian forces and their allies. Fidan"s comments suggest that the geopolitical dynamics in the region are influencing the SDF"s decision-making process, complicating the integration efforts.

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What"s Next

The future of the SDF"s integration into the Syrian army remains uncertain. The Turkish government has made it clear that it expects compliance with the March 10 agreement, but the influence of external actors like Israel complicates the situation. As previously reported, recent developments in the region, including military actions and diplomatic negotiations, will likely play a crucial role in determining the SDF"s next steps and the overall stability of Syria.

For more on the evolving situation in Syria, see our related coverage on recent developments involving U.S. and Syrian forces.