Exclusive Interview with SDF General Command Member Luqman Khalil

In an exclusive interview with Al-Youm TV Channel, Luqman Khalil, a member of the General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), outlined a series of positions summarizing the SDF’s vision regarding the current situation in Syria, the future of the national army, and the political process. His key statements were as follows:

• The SDF possesses the necessary foundations to serve as the nucleus of a national army.

 •Our meetings with Damascus have not yet reached final outcomes.

• We do not pose a threat to Turkey, while the latter seeks to expand its influence inside Syrian territory.

• The Syrian Democratic Forces were established in response to the policies of the former regime.

• Regional interventions in the Syrian issue hinder understanding among Syrians themselves.

• Syrians today need a constitution that guarantees the rights of all components without discrimination.

Khalil further elaborated on the SDF’s position regarding the formation of a national military institution and its structural framework:

• The SDF supports the idea of forming a Syrian National Army.

• The SDF is not a factional force but an integrated military institution.

• The reasons that led to the formation of the SDF have not yet disappeared.

• The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) play a pioneering role in protecting the region from ISIS.

• We hope to see the formation soon of a national army that defends all Syrians.

• The SDF possesses the fundamental elements to serve as the core of a unified Syrian army.

Khalil also addressed the responsibility of defense and the current state of Syria’s military institutions:

• Defending Syria is the duty of every Syrian, man or woman, who bears responsibility toward their country.

• The Ministry of Defense and General Staff have so far been unable to control the armed factions operating under their banner.

• Although the integration of all military factions under the Ministry of Defense has been officially declared, the reality on the ground is different.

• The SDF remains committed to all understandings and agreements and has not recorded any violations to date.

• The health of any Syrian agreement cannot be built on the division of roles, but rather on a shared sense of responsibility toward all Syrians.

•           Syrians have long suffered from the fragmentation caused by armed factions — this situation must be overcome through building unified military institutions.

•           We possess the capability to form a national Syrian army that represents and defends all Syrians, regardless of affiliation.

He also discussed the role of external powers and the dangers of mobilization and sectarian rhetoric:

•           The role of external powers should remain equidistant from all Syrian forces on the ground.

•           Any external support to one side at the expense of another undermines stability and consensus.

•           Stirring division and incitement among Syrians only serves foreign interests.

Regarding the recent events in As-Suwayda and the local mobilizations (“faza’at”), Khalil stated:

•           The incidents in As-Suwayda and the general mobilization were aimed at deepening divisions among Syrians.

•           The act of gathering at the gates of As-Suwayda and brandishing swords with threats to march north was deliberately orchestrated.

•           Accusing Syrians of treason or separatism does not serve Syria’s unity.

•           The Syrian government bears responsibility for the rhetoric of mobilization and hate speech between different communities.

•           Calls for “faza’at” and the mobilization of forces from across regions to attack Syrian areas only entrench societal divides.

Khalil also underscored the inclusive nature of the SDF and its stance on national unity:

•           The SDF is composed of members from all Syrian components, representing a truly Syrian force that will have a presence across all Syrian territories.

•           Reconciliation among Syrians requires patience and mutual trust, and we have taken — and continue to take — initiatives toward such reconciliation.

•           Any demand that contradicts the interests of all Syrians is illegitimate.

•           We hope soon to see the establishment of a national army that defends all Syrians without discrimination.

•           Syria needs the collective effort of all its citizens to achieve stability, safety, and coexistence.

Finally, Luqman Khalil addressed the issue of foreign fighters within armed factions:

•           Foreign elements within these factions view Syria as spoils of war.

•           These foreign fighters pursue ideological agendas that obstruct the building of a national Syrian homeland.

•           What unites us with them? We are Syrians, while they see Syria as mere plunder.