Syrian Democratic Forces dissolve, ending Rojava autonomy

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been officially dissolved by commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi, marking the end of the 14-year Rojava autonomous self-administration experiment in northeast Syria. Following a government offensive in January, the group entered an integration agreement with the new Syrian state.

Key leadership figures are transitioning into government roles: Mazloum Abdi will serve as a special adviser to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Sipan Hamo has become Deputy Defence Minister for the Eastern Region, and Ilham Ahmed has been offered a parliamentary position. While the SDF military is being integrated into the Ministry of Defence, the all-female YPJ fighting force has reportedly been prohibited from joining the Ministry of Defence due to government perspectives on women in the military.

The dissolution follows a period where the autonomous administration faced challenges maintaining support from local Arab minorities and became viewed as an obsolete mechanism for Turkish and American interests. Although the formal structures are dissolving, observers note that military and civilian operations continue to function in parallel with emerging government structures.