Syrian Kurdish SDF dissolves armed formations, integrates into state institutions
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Syrian Democratic Forces leader Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution of Kurdish armed formations and integration of civil and military institutions into Syria's state structures during talks in Damascus on August 25. The move follows a ceasefire after government forces advanced on Kurdish-held areas in early 2026. The SDF, once numbering up to 100,000 fighters, will be integrated into Syrian army brigades.
Key Facts
- SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution of Kurdish armed formations on August 25 in Damascus.
- The SDF had up to 100,000 fighters in 2024, making it one of Syria's largest armed groups.
- Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa received Abdi and his delegation at the People's Palace in Damascus on August 25.
- Kurdish language teaching in schools will be preserved under the new Syrian authorities, according to Abdi.
Integration Agreement
Abdi announced the integration of civil and military institutions of the Kurdish autonomous administration into Syria's reforming state institutions during meetings with interim government representatives in Damascus on August 25. Kurdish armed groups will be integrated into Syrian army brigades, which Abdi said would contribute to peace, stability, and the building of a new Syria. The new Syrian authorities will preserve the right to teach the Kurdish language in schools, Abdi told the Syrian state news agency Sana. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Abdi and his delegation at the People's Palace in Damascus the same day to discuss remaining integration issues.
SDF Background and Strength
The SDF was formed from local militias in the Kurdish-majority regions of northern and northeastern Syria, known as Rojava or Syrian Kurdistan. In 2024, the SDF had up to 100,000 fighters, making it one of the largest armed groups in Syria. The SDF fought against the Islamic State and Bashar al-Assad's forces but did not participate as a full military force in the dictator's overthrow. The SDF welcomed the transfer of power to the interim government but demanded the preservation of Kurdish autonomy.
Path to Dissolution
Damascus announced an agreement on Kurdish integration in March 2025, promising implementation by the end of that year, but the process was not completed peacefully or on schedule. In early 2026, government forces launched an operation to seize Kurdish territories, leading to clashes in Aleppo where government troops had the advantage. After the clashes, the sides agreed to a ceasefire and returned to negotiations on integrating Kurds into Syrian state institutions.
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Syrian Kurdish SDF dissolves armed formations, integrates into state institutions
