Syrian Kurdish militia SDF dissolves as part of state integration deal

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced their dissolution as an independent military entity, integrating into Syria's state institutions. SDF commander Maslum Abdi declared "the end of the mission" for the force, stating it was moving "from the phase of defense to the phase of rebuilding Syria." This move is part of a comprehensive agreement with the transitional government, which includes the integration of the Kurdish self-administration authority.

“

the end of the mission

The SDF, formed in October 2015, was a key U.S.-backed force in the fight against the Islamic State group. Their decade-long existence played a significant role in the self-perception of Kurds as a cross-border people. The agreement, initially reached in January, also involves the deployment of Syrian security forces in Kurdish-populated regions and grants minority rights to Kurds.

“

in full responsibility their dissolution as an independent armed force

Abdi also conveyed the Kurdish side's request to the transitional president, Ahmed al-Scharaa, for an open stance on the right to education in the mother tongue. Al-Scharaa, who aims to reorganize Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad and bring all territories under state control, had previously signed a decree granting minority rights to Kurds in January.

“

from the phase of defense to the phase of rebuilding Syria