Mon Oct 13 17:40:29 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten version as a news article, formatted for *The Hindu*:
**Summary:**
Syrian Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi, commander of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced a preliminary agreement with Damascus to integrate SDF troops into the Syrian military and security forces. This follows meetings between Abdi, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and U.S. officials. While a previous agreement existed, this new effort shows renewed determination. Key points include restructuring the SDF within the Syrian defense ministry, a focus on decentralization (still under negotiation), and assurances on Syria’s territorial integrity and fight against terrorism. Abdi also seeks guarantees for Kurdish rights in the constitution. He thanked the U.S. and France for facilitating the talks and expressed hope for Turkey’s support. The issue of oil resources remains to be discussed.
**News Article:**
**Syrian Kurds and Damascus Reach Preliminary Agreement on Troop Integration**
*By The Hindu Bureau*
**Hasakeh, Syria | October 13, 2025** – In a significant step towards a unified Syria, Syrian Kurdish commander Mazloum Abdi announced late Monday a preliminary agreement with the Syrian government to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the nation’s military and security apparatus.
Abdi, who leads the powerful, U.S.-backed SDF, disclosed the breakthrough following meetings in Damascus with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, along with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and U.S. commander Brad Cooper.
“What is new in our recent talks in Damascus is the shared determination and strong will to accelerate the implementation of the terms of the agreement,” Abdi stated in an interview at a military base in Hasakeh. “The most important point is having reached a preliminary agreement regarding the mechanism for integrating the SDF and the [Kurdish] Internal Security Forces within the framework of defense and interior ministries.”
The SDF, which played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State group in Syria, consists of approximately 100,000 fighters. The agreement comes after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, prompting Sharaa to call for the dissolution of armed groups to be incorporated into state institutions.
While the SDF would be restructured within the Syrian Ministry of Defense, disagreements persist, notably concerning the extent of decentralization. “We demand a decentralised system in Syria… we have not agreed on it,” Abdi explained, highlighting ongoing discussions.
He emphasized shared commitments to Syria’s territorial integrity, national unity, independent political decision-making, and the fight against terrorism. Abdi also expressed a desire to revise the constitutional declaration to guarantee the rights of the Kurdish population.
Abdi thanked the United States and France for their mediation efforts and expressed hope that Turkey, traditionally hostile to the SDF, would play a “supportive and contributing role” in the ongoing negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the SDF to honor their commitment to integration.
The issue of northeastern Syria’s significant oil reserves remains to be addressed in future discussions, with Abdi stating that these resources should belong to all Syrians and their revenues distributed equitably.
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