Syrian Democratic Forces

Syria’s Kurdish autonomy is fading as Arab unrest challenges Damascus’s control

BEHIND THE LINES: While the Kurdish-led authority was dissolved on paper, many of its institutions continued to function in reality.

DEMONSTRATORS RIDE through a street while waving Syrian flags during a rally in Hasakah, Syria, last Friday.
 Soldiers from the Syrian Democratic Forces stand in front of the detainees before the first exchange operation between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government in Aleppo, Syria, April 3, 2025.

The end of the SDF: What the dissolution means for the Kurds and Sharaa's state - opinion

A drone view shows the remains of a destroyed tank, following deadly clashes between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes and government forces, in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria July 25, 2025.

Israel can protect Sweida’s Druze without supporting Syria’s separation - opinion

Members of the all women Martyr Ayaz Çiya battalion staff checkpoints and stop vehicles in the Halko neighbourhood on February 8, 2026 in Qamishli, Syria.

Seven years after being displaced, Kurdish families return to Serekaniye - analysis


Israel exploited Assad govt's fall to impose expansionist, destabilizing project, Syrian FM claims

Syrian FM Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani accused Israel of pursuing expansionist goals and said Moscow aided Assad’s regime, as Syria rebuilds ties with China.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani attends a press conference at the Lebanese foreign ministry, in Beirut, October 10, 2025.

Turkey says it will help boost Lebanese army's capacity under mandate

Turkey's parliament renews military deployment mandates in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, enhancing security efforts and supporting Lebanon's armed forces amid ongoing regional tensions.

 Turkish soldiers march during a military parade to mark the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus in response to a short-lived Greek-inspired coup, in the Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus, in the divided city of Nicosia, Cyprus July 20, 2023.

Syria sends mixed signals on integration of US-backed SDF into security forces - analysis

Damascus and the SDF both have some mixed messages on the path forward with the SDF, although everyone wants to see progress.

A member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard as Syrian Kurds attend a protest in solidarity with people in Sweida, on July 17, 2025.

Will the US-backed SDF integrate with Syria’s new security forces? - analysis

Since the Assad regime fell, Syrian Kurdish-led forces have clashed with the new government's forces.

Armed members of the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) military police take part in a demonstration under the banner “With our will, we will protect our revolution.” in Qamishli, Syria, September 17, 2025.

Syria’s SDF anti-ISIS fighters look to future after 10 year anniversary

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces mark 10 years as a US-backed anti-ISIS force, signaling plans to integrate with the Syrian army under a new deal.

 Soldiers from the Syrian Democratic Forces stand in front of the detainees before the first exchange operation between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government in Aleppo, Syria, April 3, 2025.

Can Syria prevent a new crisis with Kurds from developing? - analysis

After deadly clashes in Aleppo, Syria’s transitional government reached a ceasefire with Kurdish forces to stabilize the north.

A member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard as Syrian Kurds attend a protest in solidarity with people in Sweida, on July 17, 2025.

Syrian defense minister and SDF commander agree to immediate ceasefire, ministry says

The ceasefire applies to northern and north-eastern Syria.

 SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, attends an interview with Reuters in Shaddadi, Syria, June 13, 2025.

ISIS terrorists kill five, wound one US-backed SDF soldiers in northeast Syria

ISIS terrorists targeted Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces soldiers in northeast Syria, killing five and wounding one. The SDF claims they thwarted the attack and vowed to avenge the "martyrs."

Members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold a flag in the divided city of Deir al-Zor, Syria December 7, 2024.

Thousands of ISIS-linked women, children still held in Syria’s camps amid escape efforts - analysis

While some of them have been repatriated over the last six years, many of them remain.

 An ISIS member carries an Islamic State flag in Syria.

Integrating the Kurdish communit? Syria has more pressing concerns - analysis

Damascus is still trying to crack down on ISIS threats, and fund people who have returned from displaced persons camps. The gov't wants to focus on issues closer to home, such as Israel, and Sweida.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, August 6, 2025.