ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Kurdish-led Anti-Terrorism Units (YAT) said Thursday that it continues to enforce security in areas it claims to administer, noting that efforts are ongoing to integrate the forces into the Syrian army, a day after Damascus claimed that the group had disbanded and is “no longer part of the current security structure.”

In a statement, the YAT said that it continues to “carry out its duties in protecting the area and all its diverse communities, while confronting the various dangers and threats that target its security and stability.”

The group’s activities coincide with the “ongoing process of integrating these units into the Special Forces of the Syrian Army,” it stated, stressing that the integration ensures the continuation of their “security and military roles within the framework of state institutions.”

The statement, which was reposted by the former Media Director of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Farhad Shami, cited ongoing meetings with Syrian authorities to discuss mechanisms for completing the process, including mapping out roles and responsibilities.

The remarks come a day after the Internal Security Directorate in Hasaka, part of the Syrian government, claimed that the forces “have been disbanded and are no longer part of the current security structure.”

The statement claimed that the internal security forces “are the sole authority responsible for law enforcement and the execution of security operations.”

The Syrian security statement came against the backdrop of unofficial media reports that the YAT had carried out arrest raids in Hasaka’s Arab-majority Ghwayran neighborhood where protests against the presence of Kurdish authorities were held days earlier.

The circulating footage depicted alleged YAT personnel carrying out security operations and arresting individuals. The New Region could not independently verify the accuracy of the videos, and whether or not they were from recent operations.

The YAT has not announced any such operations through its official media channels, but released a training video on Wednesday showing its personnel raiding a mock-up target, with the caption reading: “We do not seek war, but we are prepared to deter any aggression.”

Tensions rose in Haska last week when pro-government groups chanted pro-Damascus slogans and called for the full restoration of state sovereignty over the province. The groups clashed with security forces ahead of a state flag-raising ceremony, followed by widespread removal and destruction of Kurdish symbolism across the city.

Kurdish residents subsequently held counter-protests. Footage circulating on social media showed security forces forcibly dispersing Kurdish protesters by firing into the air, with reports that live ammunition was used.

The developments come despite the announced completion of the integration process between the SDF – which previously controlled northeast Syria (Rojava) including Hasaka – and Damascus. The process followed a January 29 agreement providing for the incorporation of the Kurdish-led autonomous administration in Rojava into the Syrian state.

The agreement came after a military campaign by Damascus and affiliated factions in January targeted SDF-held areas with the aim of forcing out all Kurdish armed forces and bringing the areas under state control. Hundreds of people were killed during the campaign and thousands were displaced.