Syria strengthens its grip on the land and consolidates its institutions

Syria is moving in parallel tracks toward a new pivotal stage on the path to restoring security control, re-establishing state institutions, and regulating its international and Arab relations. This shift is driven by a series of simultaneous developments, including the reorganization of Russian and Turkish military presence, the acceleration of integrating Kurdish forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration, into state institutions, alongside the beginning of the return of displaced persons to their areas and the resumption of humanitarian movement through Deir ez-Zor International Airport. These developments occur in parallel with growing Egyptian engagement and ongoing efforts to confront ISIS cells and Israeli incursions in the south.

In a major development, Turkish forces withdrew from the village of Jalabre in the Afrin countryside after more than eight years of control, during which it was converted into a military base. Vehicles belonging to the Syrian Internal Security Forces entered the village, where operations to sweep and search for mines and war remnants began to secure the area.

The withdrawal coincided with an understanding reached with Russia regarding its bases, stipulating the redefinition of the function of military facilities and their conversion into training and qualification centers managed by the Syrian state, including the Hmeimim airbase and the fourth berth of Tartus port, which are being gradually integrated into civilian administration.

In one of the most sensitive domestic files, the process of integrating Kurdish forces accelerated. Sibhan Hamo, the Deputy Minister of Defense for the Eastern Region, stated that the coming days would see the official announcement of the dissolution of the SDF and the Autonomous Administration and their full integration into state institutions, confirming the completion of military and security integration and the transition to a stage of “harmony” within official institutions.

Hamoo added that the SDF had merged into the Syrian Army with the strength of four brigades, emphasizing that “it is not permissible to have two administrations in one state.”

In parallel, the first batch of displaced persons from Ras al-Ayn began returning, with approximately 2,500 people returning to their homes, according to a Kurdish official, implementing an agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurds regarding the integration of the Autonomous Administration’s institutions into the state.

Deir ez-Zor International Airport also received the first flights of the World Food Programme, a step that enhances air traffic and facilitates the delivery of aid, following its reopening and the reception of its first international flight from Kuwait.

Regionally, communication between Damascus and Cairo is moving toward greater openness, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announcing his intention to visit Damascus. This will be the first visit by a senior Egyptian official since President Ahmed al-Sharaa came to power. Cairo reaffirmed its support for Syria’s security, stability, and institutional unity, as well as its commitment to a comprehensive political process and the fight against terrorism.