Saudi Arabia welcomes deal to integrate northeast Syria into state institutions

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the agreement to integrate all civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria into Syrian state structures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The deal, signed by interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, includes a complete cessation of hostilities and the transfer of control over borders, airports, and oil fields to the state. The SDF also pledged to support the government in combating threats to Syria’s security and unity.

Since Sharaa’s opposition forces overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, his administration has sought to consolidate control over the fractured country. The SDF, a Kurdish-led, US-backed force that controls much of Syria’s oil-rich northeast, had long operated semi-autonomously but faced pressure to integrate into state security forces.

The agreement marks a shift in dynamics between the SDF and Damascus. While Abdi had previously expressed willingness to join Syria’s new defense ministry, he had insisted on his forces entering as a bloc rather than as individuals—an idea the government rejected.

The deal also comes amid tensions with Turkey, which views the SDF and its backbone militia, the YPG, as an extension of the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara, the US, and the EU. Turkey-backed groups had clashed with the SDF following al-Assad’s ouster, adding to instability in the region.

Asked whether the US was consulted about the agreement, an American defense official said that the US mission in Syria remained unchanged “as we continue to work towards the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

Riyadh praised Syria’s leadership for taking steps to maintain stability and strengthen national unity across the country, SPA added.