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Kurdish-led force in Syria disbands following integration into national army

The Syrian Democratic Forces have officially dissolved as an independent military unit after completing a merger with Damascus government troops.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 19:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their dissolution as an independent force after completing a merger with the Syrian national army.
  • SDF commander Mazloum Abdi delivered the announcement at the presidential palace in Damascus, referencing plans to preserve Kurdish language education rights.
  • The former U.S. partner lost most of its northeast Syrian territory to a Damascus offensive in January before agreeing to merge.
  • The transition follows shifting U.S. relations, which have favored the new government under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa following the 2024 removal of Bashar Assad.

Key facts

  • SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced the formal end and dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces as an independent military group during a speech at the presidential palace in Damascus.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press]
  • The SDF lost the majority of its territory in northeast Syria to a Damascus-led military campaign in January before agreeing to merge with the national army.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press]
  • The SDF previously served as the primary Syrian partner for the United States during operations against the Islamic State.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press]
  • Washington established close relations with the interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa after former President Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press]
  • Abdi stated that Syria's president acknowledged rights regarding Kurdish language education, with efforts planned this year to implement it.[Al Jazeera]
  • The United States formally removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list, easing long-standing economic restrictions.[Al Jazeera]

What remains uncertain

  • The exact structure, command arrangements, and practical details of how former SDF fighters will be integrated into the Syrian army remain unspecified.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press]

Sources