Syria's defense minister warns of force against Kurds, open to talks

DAMASCUS,— Syria’s defense minister, appointed by the country’s new Islamist leadership, announced on Wednesday that Damascus is open to negotiating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) over its dissolution but warned that military action remains an option if talks fail.

Murhaf Abu Qasra, also known as Abu Hassan al-Hamawi, the defense minister, told reporters, “The door to negotiations with the SDF is currently open. If necessary, we are prepared to use force.”

This statement follows a meeting last month between representatives of the SDF and Syria’s new ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa , also known as Abu Mohammad al-Golani, head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, a former al-Qaida affiliate.

The HTS played a key role in the Islamist offensive that led to the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

Al-Sharaa had told Al Arabiya TV that the Kurdish-led forces should be integrated into the country’s new national army, emphasizing that weapons must “be in the hands of the state alone.”

Qasra further stated on Sunday that the SDF should not maintain an independent military entity within Syria’s armed forces.

The U.S.-backed SDF has acted as an army of the autonomous Kurdish administration in Syrian Kurdistan, also known as Rojava.

The Kurdish group was instrumental in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS) in its last Syrian stronghold in 2019.

Despite their contributions, the SDF has retained control over large areas in the oil-rich northeastern region, where they have enjoyed significant autonomy throughout much of the civil war, which began in 2011.

“They offered us oil, but oil is not our priority,” Abu Qasra stated. “What we seek are the institutions and control over the borders.”

The SDF’s role in the region and its relationship with the central Islamist government have been points of contention, as Damascus seeks to reassert control over all Syrian territory. While the Kurds have every right to protect their hard-won Kurdish region from ISIS and maintain their autonomous administration, this dynamic remains a complex challenge in Syria’s ongoing conflict.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions as Syria’s Islamist rulers aim to consolidate their authority and bring previously autonomous groups under centralized control.

(With files from AFP)