Turkish presidency hails dissolution of SDF as boost for Syrian state

Turkey's ruling AK Party has welcomed the dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a crucial step towards bolstering Syrian unity, a spokesman for President Tayyip Erdogan's party announced on Wednesday. The AK Party spokesman, Omer Celik, emphasized that Ankara backs Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

NATO member Turkey has become one of Syria's most significant allies since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's decades-long rule. The Turkish government has pledged to assist Damascus in rebuilding the nation and restructuring its state institutions and armed forces. Ankara has also provided political, diplomatic, and military support to Damascus.

The SDF's dissolution and integration into Syria's armed forces was announced by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, following an agreement with Damascus. This move comes as Turkey engages in peace talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, viewing the group as linked to the SDF.

In February 2025, the PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his group to disarm and disband. The group announced in May 2025 that it would comply with this request, burning their weapons in a symbolic ceremony in northern Iraq two months later. Ankara has consistently urged the SDF to follow suit and has supported the integration process.

Turkish troops will only withdraw from Syria once perceived threats are eliminated. The Turkish government sees the peace process with the PKK as part of its objective to create a terror-free Turkey and region. While Turkey's parliament passed a law this month to establish a legal framework for disbanding the PKK, Kurdish politicians argue that lasting peace necessitates broader democratic and legal reforms.

The PKK insurgency began in 1984, resulting in over 40,000 deaths, imposing a significant economic burden on primarily Kurdish southeast Turkey, and exacerbating decades of political and social division.