The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that a delegation, including General Commander Mazloum Abdi, is currently in Damascus and holding discussions with officials.

SDF stated on Sunday that the delegation and Damascus government are set to discuss the "military integration process" of its forces.

According to the statement, the delegation, along with Abdi, also includes members of the General Command, Sozdar Derik, and Sipan Hemo.

Clashes in Aleppo Heighten Rojava-Damascus Tensions

The high-stake meeting comes amid heightened tensions between Rojava and Damascus authorities in December 22, as clashes have erupted between Internal Security Forces (Asayish) of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and government forces in Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, Aleppo.

The confrontations resulted in fatalities and multiple injuries, and both the SDF and the Syrian government accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

However, both issued directives to their personnel to cease the fights after many hours.

December Clashes Mark Latest Outbreak Despite Previous Ceasefire

The December clashes represent the most recent outbreak of violence following a series of previous confrontations in the two neighborhoods. These incidents occurred despite security arrangements that were coordinated in accordance with the April 1 agreement.

Both sides had announced a ceasefire in October, aiming to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Transition Begins, Kurdish Demands Unmet

Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, a transitional government was officially inaugurated on March 29, 2025. However, the process of organizing relations and interactions between Kurdish parties and forces and the Damascus government has not yet been finalized or fully established.

Under the terms of the March 10 agreement between Abdi and Syrian interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the SDF are expected to integrate into state institutions. Abdi later confirmed that the SDF is prepared and willing to proceed with this transition.

However, after many months, the issues were not resolved, including Kurdish demands for decentralization in governance in Rojava.