Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF Officially Dissolves in Major Integration Step

DAMASCUS, Aug 25 (Reuters) – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has been formally dissolved, as announced by its commander on Tuesday. This development marks a pivotal moment in the integration plan established earlier this year with the Islamist-led government in Damascus.

“We announce today the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces and declare with full responsibility its dissolution as an independent military force,” SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated in a televised speech.

The dissolution follows a January agreement between the government and the SDF, a group that played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State with U.S. support and controlled significant areas in northern and eastern Syria. The plan involves the phased integration of Kurdish fighters into the national army, a move described by Washington as a “historic milestone.”

This deal was reached shortly after government forces under President Ahmed al-Sharaa launched a rapid offensive in January, reclaiming substantial territories previously held by the SDF.

Abdi explained that the announcement came after consultations with President Sharaa, following the integration of the SDF’s forces into the army.

The Kurdish People’s Protection Units, which formed the backbone of the SDF, had already been incorporated into state forces. Its commander, Sipan Hamo, was appointed deputy defense minister for the eastern regions in March.

The SDF’s dissolution occurs as Damascus’s new leadership strives to address internal conflicts and rebuild Syria, with support from Washington. This effort follows nearly 14 years of civil war and decades of isolation under former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

(Reporting by Orhan Qereman and Nayera Abdallah, Writing by Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Alistair Bell)

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