On March 10, significant progress was reported regarding the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the Syrian government, following the announcement from the Syrian Ministry of Defense that Sibaan Hamou, commander of the People's Protection Units (YPG)—the most prominent component of the SDF—has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Defense for the Eastern region. This appointment comes approximately a month and a half after the two parties signed their latest agreement at the end of January, which concluded weeks of armed confrontations that saw the SDF losing most of its territories.

Prior to the onset of hostilities in mid-February, Hamou was primarily associated with a hardline approach regarding negotiations with the Syrian government, which lasted nearly ten months throughout 2025. He was known for issuing statements accusing the government of attempting to dismantle the SDF, describing the potential for fusion as difficult. The SDF leadership eventually distanced itself from his remarks, indicating internal disagreements on the negotiation strategies and their outcomes.

As a notable figure within the Kurdish Workers' Party since 2004, Hamou played a crucial role in establishing the Kurdish YPG forces, which wield significant influence within the SDF. He earned the moniker "The Shield of Afrin" during the conflict in that region, which further cemented his status. This transition may serve both as a necessity for consolidating power under the Syrian government and an attempt to stabilize the Eastern regions through gradual integration, though it raises questions about future governance and military strategy in the increasingly complex Syrian conflict.