Head of Kurdish forces in Syria announces their dissolution

The head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who spearheaded the fight against the Islamic State group, announced their dissolution on Tuesday evening as part of a deal struck with the new authorities in Damascus.

" Kurdish forces announce the end of the mission of the Syrian Democratic Forces and declare, with full responsibility, their dissolution as an independent military force," leader Mazloum Abdi said in a televised speech at the presidential palace.

The announcement follows the integration of the SDF, the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration and their affiliated military and civilian structures into Syrian state institutions, formally ending their operation as separate structures. Abdi said the move should mark the beginning of a new chapter centered on peace, stability and rebuilding the country after years of conflict.