Syria's Kurdish-led SDF dissolves as part of integration with Damascus

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been dissolved as an independent military force, announced SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in a televised speech on Tuesday. This action is part of an integration plan agreed upon in January with the Syrian government in Damascus, following a government offensive that recaptured areas held by the SDF. The agreement, which Washington called a "historic milestone," aims to integrate Kurdish fighters into the state. Parts of the SDF, including the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), had already been integrated, with YPG commander Sipan Hamo appointed deputy defense minister for eastern territories in March. This move supports Damascus's efforts to resolve internal conflicts and rebuild Syria after years of civil war.