Newspaper: 11,000 PKK fighters to relocate to Iraq as SDF integrates with Syrian Army

In a significant development following an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish militia linked to the PKK, and the Syrian government in Damascus, around 7,500 members of these formations are set to join the official Syrian Army. However, this deal also has a major implication for the PKK's presence in Syria, with up to 11,000 PKK fighters facing the prospect of leaving the country entirely.

Abdulaziz Temo, the Chairman of the Union of Independent Syrian Kurds, provided further insights into the details of the agreement in an interview with "Türkiye" newspaper, per Caliber.Az. 

He explained that the 7,500 fighters joining the Syrian Army represent only the initial wave, while non-Syrian members of the SDF are required to depart. According to Temo, approximately 11,000 of the SDF's fighters are affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye. These PKK fighters will have to leave Syria, and the plan is for them to relocate to the Qandil region in northern Iraq, where the PKK’s central command is based.

This agreement follows months of negotiations, including discussions with the United States, though many of the PKK’s demands were reportedly rejected. Temo’s comments signal a pivotal moment in Syria, marking the end of an era and highlighting the shift in power dynamics. "An era is definitely over in Syria," Temo stated, emphasizing that Türkiye will play a much more prominent role moving forward.

Turkey’s involvement will include oversight in several key areas, such as controlling ISIS camps, managing the regions of Qamishli, Ain al-Arab, and Malikiye, and ensuring the return of over two million displaced people. One of the major outcomes of the agreement is the return of properties seized by the PKK. "All homes, jobs, and lands taken by the PKK will be handed over to their original owners," Temo confirmed.

Additionally, the SDF is set to transfer control of the Teshreen Dam and the Qara Qozak Bridge to Syria's central authorities in the near future, marking further strides in Syria’s transition under this new agreement. 

On March 10, Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Adbi signed an agreement under which Kurdish forces will become part of the security forces of the republic's transitional government. According to a document published by al-Sharaa's office, all civilian and military facilities, including the airport, gas and oil fields located in SDF-controlled territories in northeastern Syria, will come under the authority of the government in Damascus. The treaty, which is to be implemented by the end of this year, also provides for a ceasefire throughout Syria.

By Tamilla Hasanova