The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have formally dissolved as part of an agreement to integrate into Syria’s army, a move hailed as paving the way for national reconciliation and enhanced minority rights.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key military group that played a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS, has officially announced its dissolution. Kurdish leader Maslum Abdi confirmed the decision in Damascus, marking the conclusion of the SDF’s mission as an independent force. The move follows a landmark agreement with Syrian President Ahmed al-Scharaa, leading to the integration of SDF’s fighters into the national army.

The SDF, once comprising roughly 100,000 Kurdish and Arab fighters, controlled significant territory in northeastern Syria for years. Their efforts were largely directed towards battling ISIS and managing a semi-autonomous Kurdish self-administration. However, intense clashes earlier this year between SDF forces and Syrian government troops led to a negotiated settlement aimed at unifying military forces under state control.

As part of the reconciliation process, President al-Scharaa has pledged to extend significant minority rights to the Kurdish population, including the inclusion of their language in schools and constitutional protections. The announcement coincided with the U.S. decision to remove Syria from its list of terror-supporting states, signaling potential international investments and economic recovery. Kurdish leaders emphasized that their fight will now shift to advocating for minority inclusion and peacebuilding across the nation.