Mazlum Abdi announces dissolution of Syrian Democratic Forces

Mazlum Abdi has announced the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which he commanded, as an independent military force.

Addressing reporters in Damascus following talks with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and an accompanying delegation, Abdi stated that the decision marks a significant step taken under the integration plan agreed with the government earlier this year.

“Today, we announce that the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces has ended, and with full responsibility, we declare the dissolution of this force as an independent military force,” Abdi said.

Abdi said the announcement was the result of an agreement reached with al-Sharaa following the integration of the group’s forces into the army.

The SDF commander continued:

“Today, we stand on the threshold of a historic moment where we begin turning an important page in Syrian history and opening a new page titled ‘peace, stability, and reconstruction’. We want this day to mark the beginning of a true transition from battlefields to reconstruction sites, and from an era of weapons to an era of peace.”

Maintaining that the SDF had “assumed a major responsibility during one of the most difficult periods in Syrian history,” Abdi said conditions have now changed as the country enters a “new phase of peace.”

In his speech in Damascus, Abdi stressed that al-Sharaa also agreed to protect the right to education in the Kurdish language, adding that they will work to implement Kurdish-language education within this year.

“We want to build a new Syria for all its people, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, and Syriacs; a united and stable Syria that protects the future of its children and provides a dignified life for its youth,” Abdi said.

The People’s Defence Units (YPG), which formed the core of the SDF, had already been integrated into state forces following the appointment of its commander, Sipan Hamo, in March as deputy defence minister responsible for the country’s eastern regions.

Washington’s special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, praised US President Donald Trump’s role in merging the SDF with the Syrian state.

Barrack said Trump’s “visionary leadership” paved the way for the orderly integration of the SDF.

He also noted that, in addition to recognising Kurdish in education, the agreement provides “important roles” in the Syrian government for Abdi and Ilham Ahmed, the head of the Kurdish-led administration in north-eastern Syria.

There has been no confirmation from Damascus regarding these appointments, but according to local media reports cited by Al Jazeera, Abdi will be appointed as an adviser to al-Sharaa, while Ahmed will be appointed to the parliamentary administration.

Barrack said the move “shows well-deserved respect for their leadership, the sacrifices of our Kurdish partners, and their constructive contributions to regional stability.”