Signal Kurdish-led SDF Dissolves After Merging With Syrian National Army

Summary

Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi announced on August 25, 2026 at the presidential palace in Damascus that the Kurdish-led SDF has officially dissolved after completing its merger with the Syrian national army. The SDF once controlled a de facto autonomous zone in northeast Syria but lost most of its territory to a government offensive before entering merger negotiations. The integration incorporated SDF fighters, including the women's YPJ units, into several brigades of the Syrian Arab Army. The merger agreement includes guarantees for Kurdish education, cultural, and civil rights within the Syrian state. Abdi framed the move as opening ‘a new chapter of peace, stability and reconstruction,’ shifting the group from an armed faction to a civilian role. The announcement was made jointly with the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.