The Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces officially dissolved on Tuesday after merging with the Syrian army, ending more than a decade of de facto Kurdish autonomy in northeast Syria. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced the decision at the presidential palace in Damascus, saying the group’s mission had ended and the country was entering a new phase focused on peace and rebuilding. The SDF had lost most of its territory in January during a government offensive, then signed an agreement to integrate its fighters and administrative bodies into state institutions. The move follows major political changes in Syria after the ouster of Bashar al‑Assad in late 2024 and the rise of interim President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, who has formed close ties with Washington. Abdi praised the SDF’s role in fighting ISIS and said the new government has recognized Kurdish cultural rights, including Kurdish‑language education and restoring citizenship to Kurds stripped of it decades ago. The dissolution marks a major victory for al‑Sharaa’s government as it tries to unify Syria after nearly 14 years of civil war. Thousands of SDF fighters have already joined Syrian army brigades, and senior Kurdish commanders now hold positions inside the Defense Ministry and Interior Ministry. However, questions remain about the future of the SDF’s all‑female YPJ units, which Damascus has resisted integrating as intact combat formations. While most of Syria is now under central government control, the Druze‑majority Sweida province remains outside Damascus’ authority, backed by Druze factions and supported by Israel. The integration deal represents one of the most significant steps toward reestablishing full state control over the country since the conflict began.