Kurdish-led SDF formally dissolves, merges with Syrian army

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have officially ceased to exist as an independent military entity. Commander Mazloum Abdi made the announcement on Tuesday during a press conference at the presidential palace in Damascus, confirming that the group has completed its merger with the Syrian army.

The SDF, which once administered a de facto autonomous region across northeastern Syria, lost most of its territory in January following a government offensive. That military campaign was followed by a formal agreement to integrate the force into the national military structure.

At its peak, the SDF served as the United States' primary partner on the ground in Syria in the fight against the Islamic State group. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024. Washington subsequently built close ties with the new interim government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who previously headed an Islamist insurgent group.

The dissolution marks the end of a significant chapter in Syria's decade-long conflict, as the country's new authorities consolidate control over territory that was once outside central government rule.