- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced their dissolution as part of a deal with the Syrian government, marking a significant shift in the region's military landscape.
- In a televised speech at the presidential palace in Damascus, Mazloum Abdi declared, "We announce today the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces and declare, with full responsibility, their dissolution as an independent military force."
- Abdi confirmed that the SDF has completed its merger with the Syrian army and will cease to operate as an independent force.
- The SDF was formed in 2015 at the instigation of the United States, following the Kurdish fighters' victory over the Islamic State group in Kobane.
- The SDF played a crucial role in the defeat of IS, which was territorially defeated in Syria four years after its formation.
- In January, the SDF lost most of its territory in northeastern Syria during a government offensive, leading to the decision to merge with the Syrian army.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have officially dissolved as part of a merger with the Syrian army, marking a historic transition in Syria's military dynamics.1
Leader Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution during a televised address, stating, “We announce today the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces”. This decision follows a significant loss of territory to government forces earlier this year, prompting the SDF to integrate into state structures.
Abdi emphasized the importance of this moment, declaring, “Today we stand at a historic moment in which we turn an important page in Syria’s history”. He expressed hopes for a future focused on “peace, stability and reconstruction”.
The SDF, formed in 2015 with U.S. backing, played a crucial role in the fight against ISIS, amassing around 100,000 fighters at its peak. However, recent clashes with the Syrian army led to a significant territorial loss, compelling the SDF to sign a deal for integration.
Analysts view this dissolution as a bitter end for Kurdish autonomy in Syria, with some suggesting it marks the end of Kurdish strength in the region.
The merger also includes provisions for the expulsion of non-Syrian PKK members, as the SDF has been linked to the Kurdish militant group, which Turkey has long opposed.
Abdi's announcement comes amid a broader shift in U.S. policy, as the U.S. recently removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, further complicating the region's geopolitical landscape.
“The dissolution follows a January government offensive that stripped the SDF of most of its northeastern territory, leading to a merger deal. Abdi also secured recognition of Kurdish-language education rights, a key concession, as the US removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list.”
