YPG-led SDF dissolves as forces integrate into Syrian army

The YPG/PKK-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced its dissolution as an armed group Tuesday after its forces were integrated into the Syrian army under an agreement with Damascus, marking a major step toward restoring unified state authority across Syria.

SDF leader Ferhat Abdi Şahin, also known as Mazloum Abdi, announced the move in a televised address from the presidential palace in Damascus.

“We announce today the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces and declare, with full responsibility, its dissolution as an independent military force,” Abdi said.

He said the decision followed “the completion of the process of integrating our forces into the brigades of the Syrian army.”

The SDF was established in 2015 with U.S. backing and is dominated by the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist group. Washington partnered with the group in its campaign against Daesh despite longstanding objections from NATO ally Türkiye over its ties to the PKK.