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Syria on Wednesday restated its firm opposition to federalism and called for the disbandment of the terrorist SDF organization during talks in Damascus, a Syrian official said.
The statement was made during a meeting between SDF ringleader Mazloum Abdi and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, attended by Thomas Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy for Syria.
According to a Syrian government source speaking to the official Alekhbariah television channel, Damascus remains committed to the principle of “One Syria, One Army, One Government” and categorically rejects any form of decentralization or division of authority.
The source described the Syrian army as “the national institution that unites all children of the homeland” and reiterated the government’s willingness to integrate Syrian fighters from the SDF into its ranks, but only under constitutional and legal structures.
The government also warned that further delays in integration risk jeopardizing national security and stability.
U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack also criticized the SDF for slowing down negotiations with Damascus, saying the group must commit to the unity of Syria.
“There is only one path forward, and it leads to Damascus,” Barrack told North Press Agency. “Federalism will not work in Syria.”
Despite mounting pressure, SDF ringleader Abdi has continued to advocate for a decentralized model of governance.
A preliminary agreement on integration was reached in March with U.S. mediation, but implementation has stalled due to deep political differences.
President Sharaa, who took power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad after more than 13 years of civil war, has called for the complete dissolution of all armed factions operating outside state control. He emphasized that restoring state authority and institutional unity is essential for rebuilding the country.
In May, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also warned that delays in the disbandment and integration of the terrorist SDF could invite foreign intervention and increase separatist movements.
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