Syrian sources close to the Kurdish Autonomous Administration have revealed internal divisions within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regarding their relationship with the newly formed Damascus authorities. These divisions help explain the conflicting statements and positions on their relationship with the Syrian government.
An Arab source within the SDF told Erem News that the disagreements are primarily centered around the potential integration of the SDF into Syria’s new Ministry of Defense, as well as the oil and gas sectors controlled by the SDF.
Internal Rift within the SDF
According to the sources, the SDF is currently divided into three factions: one supporting rapprochement and eventual integration with Damascus, represented by the Arab faction in the Kurdish administration and some moderate Kurds; a second faction led by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, opposing centralization and advocating for a federal system; and a third, a hardline group led by the PKK militants (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), pushing for secession, represented by figures such as Ilham Ahmed and Aldar Khalil.
The source emphasized that while Mazloum Abdi, leader of the SDF, holds significant influence within the group, the hardline PKK faction holds the final say on core issues, especially regarding the relationship with Damascus, integration into the Syrian military, and the oil and gas industry.
PKK is designated as a terror organization by Turkey, the US and the EU.
Abdi’s Stance on Decentralization
Abdi recently reiterated that “decentralization is our core demand,” in contrast to the Syrian government’s preference for a centralized system. However, Abdi emphasized the need for dialogue, stating, “decentralization does not contradict the unity of Syrian territory,” and expressed SDF’s willingness to work with Syria’s Ministry of Defense under its regulations, though he stressed that integration would not occur at an individual level.
Damascus’ Position
From Damascus’ perspective, it is not feasible for the SDF to remain a separate military entity within the Syrian armed forces. “They must integrate into the Ministry of Defense’s structure to be reorganized militarily,” a Syrian government official stated.
The Oil Issue
Earlier, Syria’s interim defense minister, Marhaf Abu Qosra, mentioned that the SDF had proposed handing over the oil fields in eastern Syria but the offer was rejected. “Our goal is to control institutions, prisons, and borders,” he added, a stance that the SDF has firmly opposed.
Despite Abu Qosra’s remarks, a source within Syria’s Ministry of Petroleum indicated that discussions are ongoing to transfer natural gas from fields controlled by the SDF to Syrian government-held areas.
Oil and gas remain critical issues, as they play a key role in the country’s economic recovery, with Syria facing widespread economic stagnation and electricity shortages. However, differing perspectives within the Kurdish administration complicate any agreement.
Resistance to Oil Transfer
The faction opposed to rapprochement with Damascus has rejected the idea of supplying oil to the Syrian government, despite it being proposed as a goodwill gesture to foster negotiations. This faction, led by the PKK militants, has also resisted renewing agreements to supply Damascus with oil, an arrangement that existed under the previous Syrian regime.
The source noted that the SDF is unlikely to supply oil to Damascus without a comprehensive agreement in place, stating, “Without an agreement with Damascus, SDF will not provide oil.”
Previously, the SDF supplied oil to the Assad regime via the intermediary Al-Qatirji company, receiving payment in Syrian pounds to fund salaries for its forces. However, the collapse of the Assad regime’s structure halted this trade.
Abdi indicated last week that his forces do not intend to disband at present, emphasizing that any potential agreement to transfer oil fields to Damascus would be conditional on a fair distribution of Syria’s resources across its provinces.
