Damascus – In a televised address on Tuesday, Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), declared the end of the SDF’s independent military mission and announced its formal dissolution. The announcement follows a January agreement between the SDF and President Ahmed al‑Sharaa’s government to integrate Kurdish fighters into the Syrian armed forces.
Integration plan reaches its final stage
The integration plan, first outlined in January, called for a phased transfer of SDF personnel into state units. Earlier this year, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the core of the SDF, were already merged into the Syrian army, with their former commander, Sipan Hamo, appointed deputy defence minister for the country’s eastern territories in March.
Abdi’s statement emphasized that the decision was made “with full responsibility” and reflected a mutual commitment to rebuild Syria after nearly 14 years of civil war. He credited the agreement with President al‑Sharaa for providing a pathway for Kurdish fighters to serve under the national flag.
Washington calls the deal a historic milestone
The United States, which backed the SDF in the fight against the Islamic State, described the integration as a “historic milestone” for Syrian stability. U.S. officials noted that the move could help consolidate security gains made during the anti‑IS campaign and reduce the number of armed factions operating independently across the country.
Washington’s endorsement aligns with its broader strategy of supporting a unified Syrian government that can address internal strife while maintaining a counter‑terrorism posture. The U.S. has continued to provide limited assistance to Syrian security forces as part of its regional security objectives.
Implications for Syria’s future
The dissolution of the SDF signals a shift in the balance of power within Syria. By bringing Kurdish fighters into the national army, the government aims to strengthen its control over the north‑east, a region that has long been a stronghold of Kurdish autonomy.
President al‑Sharaa’s forces launched a rapid offensive in January, capturing large swaths of territory previously held by the SDF. The integration agreement appears to be a diplomatic complement to that military advance, offering a political solution to what could otherwise become a protracted conflict.
Analysts note that the success of the integration will depend on how well former SDF units are incorporated into the existing command structure and whether promises of representation and local autonomy are honored. The move also raises questions about the future of Kurdish political parties and civil society groups that have operated alongside the SDF.
Regional reactions
Neighboring countries have watched the development closely. Turkey, which views Kurdish armed groups as a security threat, welcomed any reduction in Kurdish militia autonomy, while Iran expressed cautious optimism that a stronger central government could stabilize the border regions.
In the coming weeks, the Syrian Ministry of Defence is expected to issue detailed orders on the placement of former SDF personnel within army units and outline the legal framework governing their service.
For now, the dissolution marks the end of an era for the Kurdish‑led militia that played a pivotal role in defeating the Islamic State and reshaping the Syrian battlefield.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
