Ahmad al-Hilali: Transitional Plan for Hasaka Aims to End Military Duality and Organize Displaced Persons’ Return

WELAT TV – Erbil

Ahmad al-Hilali, Deputy Governor of Hasaka and spokesperson for the presidential team, has outlined the Syrian government’s plan for the transitional phase in Hasaka, stressing that the process is aimed at ending military duality, consolidating state sovereignty, organizing the return of displaced people, and resolving outstanding administrative issues.

In special comments to Welat TV on Friday, September 4, al-Hilali discussed the mechanism for integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the issue of weapons, the return of displaced people, oil-sector employees, and the future role of local cadres. Regarding SDF weapons, al-Hilali said the plan involves redistributing weapons according to needs and organizing them in line with the Ministry of Defense’s armament plans.

He described the issue as a key element in completing the integration agreement, stressing that it would be handled responsibly and calmly in a manner that safeguards stability and rights. He said the process seeks to establish the state’s monopoly over weapons and bring an end to military and security duality as part of a broader effort to unify state institutions and security and military structures.

On the return of displaced people between Hasaka and Sari Kaniye, al-Hilali said large groups would return to their homes in the coming days. He stressed that the right to return is guaranteed, while preparations are underway to ensure safe and organized returns.

These preparations include accelerating the clearance of mines and unexploded remnants of war, as well as establishing security and administrative arrangements to prevent friction and avoid tensions, while supporting reconciliation and rebuilding trust among local communities.

Addressing protests in the oil sector, particularly in Rmelan and Sweidiya, al-Hilali said the issues were purely administrative and rights-related and would be addressed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, without exclusion or discrimination.

He said the termination and reorganization of contracts were linked to the unification of institutions and their integration into the state’s administrative structure, alongside efforts to reorganize institutions and cadres.

Regarding local personnel, al-Hilali stressed that the government’s objective was not to empty the region of its local cadres or replace them with people from outside the area.

Instead, he said, local expertise would be utilized, while technical and administrative gaps would be filled through proper procedures. He emphasized that existing local cadres would play an important role in the institutional reorganization process.

Al-Hilali described the integration phase as transitional and said it would require time and careful organization. He stressed that the overall direction was clear: establishing unified state institutions, ensuring equal rights, and protecting all residents of Hasaka regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

He underscored the need for the various files to be managed in an organized manner to ensure a smooth transition.

The comments come after SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi announced on August 25, 2026, during a press conference at the People’s Palace in Damascus, that the SDF would end its mission and be dissolved as an independent military force.