Syria's Kurdish-led SDF dissolves as part of integration with Damascus

Damascus, Syria (AP) — The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, declared on Tuesday the official dissolution of the group that once governed a de facto autonomous region in Syria's northeast. Abdi disclosed the decision during a press conference at the presidential palace in Damascus. The Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led military coalition, has completed its merger with the Syrian army, effectively ceasing to function as an independent entity.

The Kurdish-led force suffered significant territorial losses in northeast Syria following a government offensive in January and subsequently agreed to merge with the army. Initially serving as the primary U.S. partner against the Islamic State group, the SDF's role evolved following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024.

The U.S. established close relations with the new government in Damascus, led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Abdi acknowledged the SDF's "heavy responsibility" during one of Syria's most challenging periods and stated that "circumstances have changed, and the country has entered a new phase, one of peace and participation in building a new Syria."

The dissolution of the SDF marks the end of its mission as an independent military force. Under the Assad regime's 50-year rule, Kurds faced marginalization, with many being denied citizenship. Public celebrations of the Nowruz holiday, a Kurdish tradition, were prohibited. The SDF at its peak controlled approximately 25% of Syria.