Syria: Kurdish forces leader announces their dissolution

Syrian Kurdish forces have announced their dissolution as an independent military entity, marking a significant shift in the country's complex political and military landscape.

Mazloum Abdi, the chief of the Syrian Kurdish forces, declared the end of the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) mission, stating their integration into the Syrian army. This decision follows an agreement with President Ahmed al-Chareh, who is focused on reunifying Syria. Abdi emphasized that this dissolution occurs "after the agreement concluded with President Chareh and the completion of the integration process of our forces into the brigades of the Syrian army."

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We announce today the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and declare, with full responsibility, their dissolution as an independent military force.

The SDF, established in 2015 with U.S. backing, was instrumental in combating the Islamic State group. At its peak, the force comprised around 100,000 fighters, both Kurds and Arabs, and controlled significant oil-rich territories in northern and northeastern Syria. Abdi acknowledged the SDF's crucial role, stating their fighters "assumed a heavy responsibility during one of the most difficult periods" for Syria, liberating cities from both the Ba'athist regime and ISIS.

Experts view the SDF's dissolution as the end of an era for Syrian Kurds, who had long aspired to autonomy. The changing geopolitical circumstances, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and a shift in U.S. support towards Damascus, have led to this new phase. Abdi noted that "circumstances have changed today and the country has entered a new phase characterized by peace and participation."

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circumstances have changed today and the country has entered a new phase characterized by peace and participation