LONDON: The Syrian Democratic Forces once stood at the heart of an experiment that transformed the balance of power in Syria. The Kurdish-led force, backed by the US, fought Daesh and governed a de facto autonomous administration across much of northeastern Syria. At its height, it controlled roughly a quarter of the country, including major oil fields and border crossings. On Tuesday, that era formally ended.

In speech from presidential palace, Mazloum Abdi announces 'end of mission' for Syrian Democratic Forces, which formed in 2015 and led successful US-backed campaign against ISIS

Syrian Kurdish leader dissolves force that spearheaded jihadist fight