SDF Commander Announces Full Integration Into Syrian State

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi announced on Thursday in Qamishli that the integration of the group's military, security, and administrative structures into Syrian state institutions is complete. The move concludes a process initiated by a January agreement between the SDF and the transitional government in Damascus, which followed clashes that resulted in Kurdish territorial losses in the oil-rich north and northeast.

Under the terms of the deal, the Syrian government regained control of Qamishli airport, key oil fields, and the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli. In exchange, President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language and granting citizenship to Kurds who were previously denied it. As part of the transition, the government appointed former SDF official Sipan Hamo as assistant defense minister for the eastern region and established army brigades for former SDF fighters.

The integration marks the dissolution of the SDF and the end of the Kurds' pursuit of autonomy. To facilitate the transition, Kurdish fighters from Iraq, Iran, and Turkey have withdrawn from the region, a move endorsed by Turkey. Additionally, U.S. troops transferred over 5,700 detainees from Kurdish-controlled camps to Iraq. Abdi stated that the phase of integrating institutions is finished and that the group now begins a new phase to cement people's rights in the constitution.