Syrian Democratic Forces will retain three divisions within the Syrian army structure under a preliminary agreement, the Negotiating Committee for the Administration of North and East Syria said on December 18.
Technical discussions continue through specialised committees from both sides to examine details related to roles and organisational structure, in a process expected to see practical steps in the coming period, the committee said in a statement on X.
The SDF operates as the de facto military force in the separatist Rojava area near the border with Turkey and serves as the main ground partner for the US-led international coalition to defeat the Islamic State in Syria.
SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi signed a historic agreement with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on March 10 to place Rojava's civilian and military institutions under central state authority and establish a nationwide ceasefire.
Whilst talks to implement the agreement have continued since March, the two sides differ on how to integrate the SDF.
Kurdish negotiators want to integrate forces as a unified bloc, whilst the Syrian side prefers absorbing them individually into regular army units.
The Communications Office said talks between Rojava and Damascus are progressing with international support encouraging "a political solution based on dialogue, as the most realistic option to ensure stability".
The committee indicated "any tangible progress requires refraining from media escalation and hate speech, focusing on understanding and partnership as the only path to building a sustainable solution in Syria".
The development comes despite recent attacks by Damascus-affiliated forces on SDF positions.
The SDF accused factions linked to Damascus of injuring two fighters in a suicide drone attack in Deir Hafer in eastern rural Aleppo on December 16.
A day earlier, the SDF reported "factions affiliated with Damascus government" shelled several areas near Tishrin Dam in eastern Aleppo "using artillery and heavy weapons".
Abu Omar al-Idlibi, a prominent commander in the Democratic North Forces, a component of the SDF, told Rudaw last week that progress remains hampered by Damascus leadership's lack of political will and unresponsiveness to SDF initiatives.
"The preliminary agreement maintains three divisions for Syrian Democratic Forces within the Syrian army structure, with technical discussions ongoing through specialised committees," the Negotiating Committee said.
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