Syrian Democratic Forces dissolve into army

Commander Mazloum Abdi announced that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces had ended its independent military role after completing integration into Syria’s army. The move follows a January agreement with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government. The deal includes recognition of Kurdish cultural, civil and educational rights as Damascus seeks to reunify the country.

• 100,000 fightersForce at its peak — Kurdish and Arab members
• 2015Force was created with US backing
• January 2026Integration agreement reached with Damascus

Q1

What was the SDF?

Created with US backing in 2015, the force grew to about 100,000 Kurdish and Arab fighters at its peak.

Q2

How did integration take shape?

The January deal provided for gradual incorporation into state institutions, and the YPG, the SDF’s core force, had already entered state forces.

Q3

Why did Damascus pursue merger?

Damascus is seeking to resolve internal strife and rebuild Syria after civil war and years of isolation under Bashar al-Assad.

Q4

What changed in northeast Syria?

A January government offensive took swathes of northern and eastern territory previously held by the SDF, weakening its autonomous position.

• Al Jazeera
• The Jerusalem Post
• The Straits Times
• n-tv
• Anadolu Agency
• Deutsche Welle
• ANSA
• Aftonbladet