Sipan Hemo, a founding figure of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has cautioned that Israel and other external actors may attempt to disrupt the political phase that follows the dissolution of the militia and its incorporation into Syrian state institutions. He stressed that the most difficult military, security and administrative steps have already been completed, and that responsibility now shifts to political leadership.
Hemo’s remarks, published by the newspaper Türkiye and circulated through syndicated reporting channels, come as the integration of SDF personnel into Syrian state structures continues to unfold. The process was previously declared complete by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.
Hemo: The Most Difficult Stage Has Passed; Politics Now Holds the Burden
Hemo said that the integration of Kurdish elements into the Syrian state has reached an advanced stage, describing the past period as “the hardest phase.” What remains, he argued, is a political test that will determine whether the gains achieved on the ground can be translated into a durable national framework.
He described recent regional developments as a turning point that could benefit Turks, Arabs and Kurds alike by creating an atmosphere conducive to stability.
“Damascus has now become our shared capital,” Hemo said, adding that the future of the process will depend on the structural character of the Syrian state and its ability to accommodate the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.
He called for learning from past failures and insisted that the new era must be anchored in coexistence and peace among all components of Syrian society.
A Warning Against Israeli Attempts to Create New Fault Lines
Hemo noted that certain regional actors whose strategic calculations were unsettled by recent developments may attempt to derail the process through new tactics. He explicitly identified Israel as one of the forces that could seek to undermine the emerging political environment and stir fresh divisions.
He linked the success of the next phase to the ability of Syrian actors to build a shared future, arguing that the implications of such a path extend beyond Syria to the wider region.
Hemo praised both the Syrian government and Ankara for managing the integration process with “courage and sincerity,” and said the SDF had approached the transition with the same commitment. “If we move forward along a sincere and trust-based path, no one will be able to rob us of our success and victory,” he said.
Hemo had previously announced the completion of key stages in integrating SDF military and security personnel into Syrian state institutions, coinciding with developments that culminated in the dissolution of the militia and its shift toward formal state structures.
His comments follow a period during which he appeared on Türkiye’s wanted list with a bounty of twenty million Turkish liras, before being removed from the terror designation.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
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