The head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared the organization’s dissolution on Tuesday evening during a televised address at the presidential palace in Damascus. The announcement formalized a merger agreement between the SDF and the Syrian army, ending the group’s operation as an independent military force.
The SDF had previously controlled a de facto autonomous zone in Syria’s northeast before losing most of its territory in January during a government offensive. The merger agreement was subsequently negotiated and finalized as part of broader political developments following the December 2024 ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Leader Mazloum Abdi characterized the moment as historic, emphasizing a transition from military conflict toward reconstruction and peace. He highlighted that the new interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has recognized Kurdish language education rights, with plans to implement Kurdish-language education during the current year.
The dissolution announcement coincided with shifting international dynamics. The United States removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism designation, a measure that had imposed severe economic restrictions for decades. This action reflected evolving diplomatic relations between Washington and Syria’s new government following al-Assad’s removal.
Abdi stressed the vision of building a unified Syria that encompasses its diverse populations, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Assyrians. The interim government welcomed the delisting, characterizing it as a departure from Syria’s past toward a path of development and reconstruction.
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