The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced its official dissolution following a merger with the Syrian army, ending the Kurdish-led militia’s autonomous presence in northeast Syria.

  • SDF completed merger with Syrian army
  • Kurdish-led force will no longer operate independently
  • New political order promises restored Kurdish rights

At a press conference held in the presidential palace in Damascus, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi declared that the group has finalized its integration with the Syrian army and will cease to function as a separate entity. The move effectively ends the de‑facto autonomous zone the militia once controlled in northeastern Syria.

The merger follows a sweeping government offensive in January 2026 that stripped SDF of most of its territory. Afterward, the force signed a unification agreement with the Syrian military, reflecting a shift in U.S. policy and closer ties between Washington and the new Damascus administration led by interim President Ahmad al‑Sharaa.

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Under the 50‑year Assad dynasty, Kurds were denied citizenship and cultural celebrations such as Nowruz were banned. The 2011 uprising created a power vacuum that the SDF filled, at its peak controlling about 25 % of Syrian land.

Interim President al‑Sharaa issued a decree during cease‑fire talks in January that elevated Kurdish to an official language alongside Arabic, declared Nowruz a national holiday, restored citizenship to tens of thousands of Kurds in Hasakah, and pledged education in Kurdish. Abdi highlighted these promises as evidence of a new “peace and participation” era.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the dissolution of SDF marks a decisive shift in regional power dynamics, reducing U.S. influence while granting the Damascus government greater leverage over Kurdish populations and border security.

"The merger gives the Syrian state a strategic opportunity to forge an inclusive national identity with the Kurds," said Middle‑East expert Dr. Lina Hashim.
Did You Know?: The SDF played a pivotal role in dismantling the Islamic State’s territorial caliphate in 2014‑2019, earning it a reputation as a key U.S. ally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the merger jeopardize Kurdish rights? The recent decree safeguards language, education, and citizenship rights, but implementation remains to be seen.

How will this affect the U.S. military presence in Syria? With the SDF’s integration, U.S. support will diminish, prompting a reassessment of American troops and missions in the region.