SDF Refuses Disarmament in Face of Resurgent ISIS Threat

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) assert that they will not disarm until ISIS is defeated, citing recent resurgences of the terrorist group. The SDF emphasizes the need for continued autonomy and highlights the risks of civil unrest if the rights of minorities are neglected in Syria’s political transition. Ongoing negotiations with the new Syrian government may shape the future of governance and security in the region.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a predominantly Kurdish paramilitary group supported by the United States, will not disarm while the threat of ISIS persists in Syria, according to Ilham Ahmed, a senior SDF politician. She emphasized the necessity of maintaining weapons due to the resurgence of ISIS in certain regions. This declaration contributes to the ongoing fragmentation within Syria, coinciding with the new administration’s efforts to centralize control under President Ahmed Al Shara.

The Kurdish population, representing approximately 10 percent of Syria’s populace, has faced historical discrimination under Bashar Al Assad’s regime and currently feels alienated from the political transition initiated by the new leadership in Damascus. President Al Shara has called for the disarmament of paramilitary groups while seeking inclusivity, indicating a recent meeting with SDF representatives to discuss future integration efforts.

Ilham Ahmed warned that continued marginalization of minority groups could potentially spark civil unrest in Syria. She highlighted that neglecting the Kurdish identity, which has faced suppression for many years, could lead to further internal conflict. The SDF advocates for a decentralized governance model to preserve the territorial gains acquired during the prolonged civil war, particularly in northeastern Syria, which contains a significant portion of the country’s oil and gas resources.

Despite the SDF’s proposals for maintaining a semi-autonomous governance structure, authorities in Damascus, primarily influenced by the dissolved Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), have refused to acknowledge the SDF’s desire for a distinctive faction within a unified armed force. During a visit to Paris for an international conference focused on Syria, Ahmed met with diplomats from France and the United States, though neither Syrian officials nor Minister Assaad Al Shibani participated in these discussions.

U.S. officials reiterated their ongoing support for the SDF’s anti-ISIS initiatives. However, concerns remain regarding President Donald Trump’s potential withdrawal of U.S. troops, which are currently stationed to combat ISIS, particularly as tensions with Turkey persist over the Kurdish forces’ connections to the PKK, a designated terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies.

Ahmed expressed that the SDF is open to collaboration with the Syrian defense ministry but seeks to retain their arms, voicing skepticism about disarmament given that other paramilitary groups remain armed. She noted that integration of the SDF into the Syrian army would require an immediate cessation of hostilities with Turkey and an end to the ISIS threat, suggesting that future discussions could explore this possibility further.

Ongoing negotiations between the SDF and Syrian leaders are anticipated, with President Al Shara mentioning that the SDF has shown a willingness to bring their weapons under state control. Ahmed emphasized the importance of maintaining a dialogue that extends beyond military discussions, incorporating essential services for local communities as part of the broader conversation about Syria’s future governance.

The statement from the SDF regarding their refusal to disarm in the face of the ongoing ISIS threat indicates significant challenges amidst Syria’s political transition. The Kurdish population’s struggle for recognition and autonomy, paired with the complexities of negotiating with the central government, sets a precarious stage for the country’s future stability. Continued U.S. support remains crucial for the SDF’s anti-ISIS efforts, while the potential for civil strife looms due to the marginalization of Syrian minorities.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com