Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces dissolve after full integration into Syrian army
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Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces dissolve after full integration into Syrian army
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces dissolve after integration into Syrian army
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The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led alliance that fought against the Islamic State group, officially dissolved as an independent military force on Tuesday after completing integration into the Syrian Arab Army, commander Mazloum Abdi announced in Damascus.
Abdi declared the end of the SDF’s mission during a televised speech at the presidential palace, stating that the group’s military and security institutions had fully merged with Syrian state structures under an agreement with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. “We announce today the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces and, with full responsibility, declare its dissolution as an independent military force,” Abdi said .
The dissolution follows a January 29 agreement that stipulated a ceasefire and the gradual transfer of SDF-affiliated military and civilian institutions—including border crossings, oil fields, and prisons housing Islamic State detainees—to Syrian government control. The SDF had already withdrawn from areas west of the Euphrates River after clashes in Aleppo in December 2025 .
Turkey, which views the SDF as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, welcomed the move, calling it crucial for Syrian stability and state authority . Saudi Arabia and Jordan also praised the integration, with Riyadh stating it would contribute to security and stability, and Amman describing it as a step toward strengthening Syria’s unity .
The SDF, formed in 2015 with U.S. support, was Washington’s primary partner in the fight against the Islamic State group and once controlled a vast autonomous zone in northeastern Syria. U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack called the dissolution “absolutely historic” on X, crediting U.S. leadership for enabling the integration .
The announcement also covered the dissolution of the Kurdish-led autonomous administration and its affiliated military and civilian formations, with full integration into Syrian state institutions, according to Syrian state television . The meeting in Damascus was attended by senior Kurdish officials Ilham Ahmed and Siban Hemo, the latter serving as deputy defense minister for the eastern region.
Al-Sharaa’s government had previously issued a decree in January recognizing Kurdish national rights, including the Kurdish language as a national language, Nowruz as an official holiday, and citizenship for Kurds previously denied legal status .
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Articles
⚡ NEWSTurkey Demands Dissolution of SDF for Syrian StabilityTurkey has declared the dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) a crucial step for achieving lasting stability and strengthening state authority in Syria. Ankara continues to view the SDF as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party...📰 #Military #Geopolitics #GeoWire
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