What’s behind the SDF’s deal with Damascus?

Video Duration 26 minutes 55 seconds 26: 55.

Key points

• Founded in 2015 at the height of the Syrian war, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has officially dissolved.
• But after the regime of Bashar al-Assad collapsed in December 2024, the army introduced an offensive in the region.
• The Syrian Democratic Forces announces its dissolution after merging with Syria's army.
• After a agreement with Damascus, the SDF has integrated with the Syrian army.
• So, what does the accord between Damascus and the SDF mean for Syria after the fall of al-Assad?

Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces announces its dissolution after merging with Syria's army.

After a agreement with Damascus, the SDF has integrated with the Syrian army. The group's thousands of fighters controlled sizeable parts of northern Syria.

Notably, the SDF lost much of its territory – and agreed to merge with the national armed forces.

So, what does the accord between Damascus and the SDF mean for Syria after the fall of al-Assad? Noah Bonsey – Senior adviser at the International Crisis Group. Yusuf Alabarda – International security and politics analyst. Kenneth Katzman – Senior fellow at The Soufan Center. Published On 26 Aug 202626 Aug 2026.

Taken together, the developments around what's behind the SDF's deal with Damascus? Point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.