Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces dissolve after merging with Syrian army

What happened

Al Jazeera Syria reports that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led group that led the campaign against ISIL, have officially ended their existence as an independent military force following a merger deal with the Syrian government army. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution in a televised speech at the presidential palace in Damascus, confirming the group’s integration into the state military structure.

The SDF controlled a de facto autonomous region in northeastern Syria but lost most of this territory during a government offensive in January. The merger follows a significant political realignment after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, with Washington switching support from the SDF to the new Damascus government led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Abdi framed the merger as a historic turning point towards peace, stability, and reconstruction in Syria, emphasizing a transition from armed conflict to rebuilding. He also highlighted cultural concessions achieved under the new government, including recognition and planned implementation of Kurdish-language education during the current year, aiming to build a unified Syria respecting all ethnic groups.

Known from the source

• The Syrian Democratic Forces have disbanded as an independent military entity.
• The SDF merged with the Syrian government army following a territorial loss in January.
• Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution in Damascus in a televised speech.
• The merger coincides with the US dropping Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list.
• Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa leads the current government.

What remains unclear

This announcement came shortly after the US removed Syria from its 'state sponsor of terrorism' list, ending decades of sanctions. Interim President al-Sharaa welcomed this move as a shedding of Syria’s isolation and a step towards development and reconstruction, illustrating the evolving international context surrounding the Syrian conflict.

What remains unclear: Full terms and implications of the merger between SDF and Syrian army. Extent and enforcement details of Kurdish language education rights. Independent verification of territorial control changes post-merger. Ensure clear attribution that the SDF dissolution and merger are official government announcements.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Al Jazeera Syria. Open the source.