Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said the United States has committed to supporting implementation of a January 29 agreement with Damascus, adding that his administration is awaiting US President Donald Trump to establish a mechanism guaranteeing the deal’s enforcement and monitoring.
Speaking to Rudaw on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Abdi described his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “very important,” saying talks focused on counterterrorism cooperation, stability in northeast Syria, and the future of Kurdish rights within the Syrian state.
“They said they are committed to implementing this agreement,” Abdi stated. “We requested guarantees from them. They said there should be a guarantee mechanism to ensure the agreement is implemented and monitored. This is one of President Trump’s priorities, and we are waiting for him to fulfill his promise.”
Focus on Constitutional Guarantees for Kurdish Rights
Abdi stressed that discussions with Washington and Damascus center not on formal autonomy, but on ensuring Kurdish regions can manage their own administrative, military, and security affairs within Syria.
“The rights of the Kurdish people, Kurdish identity, and Kurdish culture must be enshrined in the Syrian constitution,” he said, noting that progress has been made in negotiations.
The January 29 agreement, reached after internationally mediated ceasefire efforts, outlines the gradual integration of institutions from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria into Syrian state structures.
First Joint Meeting with Damascus and Washington
In a notable development, Abdi met Rubio alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of foreign relations for the Democratic Autonomous Administration.
Abdi described the joint format as a “positive step,” signaling increasing coordination in negotiations between Kurdish authorities and Damascus.
SDF to Integrate as Regional Brigades
Addressing the future of the SDF, Abdi confirmed that the force would integrate into the Syrian Arab Army as regional brigades.
Each Kurdish-majority area — including Derik (al-Malikiyah), Qamishli, Kobane, and Hasaka — would have its own brigade, he said, with SDF military institutions becoming part of Syrian army structures.
Kurdistan Region Played “Very Positive Role”
Abdi credited the Kurdistan Regional Government and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani for facilitating his participation in Munich and supporting mediation efforts during recent tensions.
“The meetings held here mark the beginning of a new phase for Western Kurdistan,” Abdi said, adding that additional meetings with international officials are scheduled.
The remarks come at a critical moment as negotiations continue over the political and military future of northeast Syria, with Washington signaling continued engagement in shaping the post-conflict order.
