Syrian Defense Minister Rejects Kurdish Bid for Separate Military Bloc

In a significant rejection of Kurdish aspirations, Syria’s defense minister dismissed a proposal from Kurdish forces seeking to establish their own military bloc within the country’s armed forces, according to reports on Sunday. The decision underscores the ongoing tensions between the Syrian government and Kurdish groups, who have been pivotal in the fight against the Islamic State but remain at odds with Damascus over autonomy and political representation.

The rejection, which reportedly occurred during a recent meeting between Syrian officials and representatives of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), highlights the Assad regime’s insistence on maintaining a unified military structure under state control.

Kurdish officials had proposed integrating their forces as a distinct unit within the Syrian military, a move they argued would protect their autonomy in northeastern Syria while contributing to national defense.

Tensions between the two sides have simmered for years. The SDF, backed by the United States, controls vast swathes of Syria’s northeast, including key oil-rich regions.

Their role in defeating ISIS gave them both regional influence and international recognition. However, their push for greater autonomy and the creation of a decentralized political system has been met with stiff resistance from President Bashar al-Assad’s government, which views such demands as a threat to Syria’s territorial integrity.

Observers believe the Syrian government’s rejection reflects its determination to reassert control over all territories, including those held by Kurdish forces. Analysts suggest that any concessions to Kurdish demands could embolden other groups to seek similar arrangements, potentially fracturing the already fragile state.

The Kurdish proposal also comes at a time of shifting alliances in Syria’s complex conflict. With the U.S. gradually reducing its presence in the region and Turkey’s military campaigns targeting Kurdish-held areas, the SDF has sought to open lines of communication with Damascus. 

Kurdish leaders hoped that aligning their forces with the Syrian military could provide protection against Turkish aggression while preserving some degree of autonomy. However, Damascus appears unwilling to compromise on its terms, insisting on full central control.

As Syria’s civil war enters its 14th year, the impasse between Kurdish forces and the government adds another layer of complexity to an already multifaceted conflict. While the SDF has not announced its next steps following the rejection, Kurdish officials are likely to face mounting pressure to reassess their strategy, particularly as regional powers such as Turkey and Russia continue to shape the country’s future.

For many Syrians, the unresolved tensions between the government and Kurdish factions reflect broader challenges in rebuilding a unified state after years of devastating war. As diplomatic efforts falter, questions about Syria’s stability and the rights of its diverse communities remain unanswered.