The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has formally disbanded, marking a significant shift in Syria’s security landscape as its members are integrated into the country’s official security forces. The process culminated this week in Damascus, concluding arrangements that began with a meeting in March 2025 between SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The dissolution of the SDF, which was established in 2015 with backing from the United States and primarily composed of Kurdish fighters, has drawn widespread regional and international attention. The group played a crucial role in defeating ISIS across northeastern Syria, and its disbandment is viewed by some as a step toward national reconciliation.
Regional governments have expressed approval of the decision. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani praised the move, highlighting it as progress toward Syria’s security and stability while safeguarding the rights of all its communities. Barzani emphasized hopes that the integration would foster stronger ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and enhance cooperation across various sectors.
Other regional states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, also welcomed the development. Saudi Arabia described the integration as a positive contribution to Syria’s stability, while Turkey viewed it as reinforcing Syrian state authority—an important stance given Ankara’s longstanding concerns about the SDF’s links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization.
Internationally, the decision has received support from several Western governments. French President Emmanuel Macron commended SDF leader Mazloum Abdi for his responsible leadership during the process, a notable endorsement given France’s historical support for Kurdish rights. The United Kingdom also welcomed the integration, framing it as a constructive move toward peace, stability, and national unity.
The United States, which earlier supported the SDF military campaign against ISIS, described the move as historic. Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and envoy to Iraq and Syria, credited former President Donald Trump’s leadership for facilitating the transition from separation to partnership, underscoring recognition of Kurdish language rights and leadership roles in the Syrian government for key Kurdish figures such as Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed.
Looking ahead, the agreement includes significant political and institutional changes. Reports indicate that Mazloum Abdi may assume a presidential advisory role, while Ilham Ahmed could join Syria’s People’s Assembly. Kurdish is expected to become an official language in education, and the Kurdish women’s military unit, the YPJ, is set to integrate into the Ministry of Interior as counterterrorism forces.
The agreement may also influence dynamics in Turkey, which has long linked the PKK to the SDF. There are expectations that the PKK could also disband, potentially ending decades of conflict inside Turkey. However, the practical outcomes remain uncertain, with some observers expressing concern that, following the SDF’s dissolution, the Syrian government might lack incentives to uphold the arrangement in good faith.
The disbandment of the SDF, a key actor in Syria’s recent history, represents a complex milestone in the country’s ongoing attempt to reassert central authority and reshape its political and security frameworks after years of conflict.