Dissolution and Integration of the Terrorist Organization YPG/SDG into the Syrian Army

The terrorist organization YPG/SDG (Syrian Democratic Forces – SDF) announced on 25 August 2026 at a press conference held at the People’s Palace in Damascus, the capital of Syria, that its so-called “autonomous administration and all associated military and civilian structures had been dissolved.” The announcement was made by Mazlum Abdi, known by the pseudonym Ferhat Abdi Şahin, a senior leader of the organization.^【1】 The decision to dissolve the organization followed an agreement reached with Syrian President Ahmed Şara and the completion of the integration process of the organization’s armed forces into Syrian Army brigades.^【2】 This development resulted from the implementation of the Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement signed on 18 January 2026 and the subsequent ceasefire and phased integration understanding reached on 29 January 2026.^【3】

On 13 January 2026, the Syrian Army declared the areas under the control of the terrorist organization YPG/SDG west of the Euphrates River as “military zones” and launched a large-scale military operation along a front extending from Deyr Hafir and Meskene east of Aleppo to the Tabqa line in Raqqa province. The army justified this decision by citing the use of these areas by YPG/SDG and PKK members as bases for kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle attacks against Aleppo, the construction of new bunkers, and violations of previously signed agreements, and called on all armed elements to withdraw east of the Euphrates. In the following days, reinforcements were deployed to the Deyr Hafir front, and humanitarian corridors were opened on 14–15 January to evacuate civilians, although it was reported that the YPG/SDG terrorist organization prevented civilian passage by force of arms. On 16 January, the Syrian Army launched an operation against the YPG/SDG in Deyr Hafir and by the morning of 17 January had fully secured the area and advanced toward Meskene, reaching the borders of Raqqa province the same day and capturing the village of Dibsi Afnan, as well as establishing control over Tabqa and Cirah Military Airbase.^【4】

^{Ferhat Abdi Şahin, codename Mazlum Abdi, one of the leaders of the terrorist organization, makes a statement in the Presidential People's Palace in Damascus regarding the YPG's claim that it has "dissolved itself," 25 August 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

On 18 January 2026, an agreement was signed between the Syrian Republic and the terrorist organization YPG/SDG, providing for the integration of the organization into Syrian state institutions and armed forces and the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire.^【5】

Under the agreement, an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire was declared across all frontlines and contact lines between Syrian government forces and YPG/SDG, all armed units affiliated with the organization were required to withdraw east of the Euphrates River, and full and immediate administrative and military control of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces was to be transferred to the Syrian government. All civil institutions in Al-Hasakah province were to be integrated with Syrian state institutions and administrative structures, and control over border crossings and oil and natural gas fields was to be transferred to the state under the protection of Syrian security forces.

The agreement further stipulated that, taking into account the special status of Kurdish regions, a security review would be conducted, after which all military and security personnel within the SDG would be individually incorporated into the Syrian Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior. The SDG leadership pledged not to include former regime elements within its ranks and reached consensus on the appointment of a candidate for the governorship of Al-Hasakah.

The agreement also provided for the withdrawal of heavy military presence from the Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) region, the integration of the administration responsible for DAESH detainees and DAESH camps with the Syrian government, and the acceptance of the list of candidates submitted by the SDG leadership for appointment to senior positions.

The parties also welcomed the Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, which foresaw the recognition of cultural and linguistic rights, and the SDG leadership committed to expelling all PKK leaders and members who were not Syrian citizens from the Syrian Arab Republic. The Syrian state, in turn, pledged to continue its fight against DAESH within the framework of the International Coalition.

The parties also reached agreement on ensuring the safe and voluntary return of residents of the Afrin and Sheikh Maksud regions to their homes.^【6】

The agreement was effectively suspended shortly thereafter. On 19 January, talks between Şara and Mazlum Abdi on the status of Al-Hasakah yielded no results, and clashes erupted on the same day during the handover of El-Aktan Prison in Raqqa, as the YPG/SDG terrorist organization refused to comply with the agreement. In response, on 20 January, the Syrian administration granted the organization a four-day deadline for integration and declared a corresponding ceasefire, but clashes reignited around Al-Hasakah and Ayn al-Arab, resulting in civilian casualties.^【7】

Under the four-day ceasefire that took effect on 21 January, it was agreed that the SDG would submit its integration plan and candidate lists, that no troops would be deployed into the city centers of Al-Hasakah and Qamishli, and that Presidential Decree No. 13 would be implemented.

^{Ferhat Abdi Şahin, codenamed Mazlum Abdi, a leader of the terrorist organization, makes a statement in the Presidential People's Palace in Damascus regarding the YPG's claim that it has "disbanded him," August 25, 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

On 22 January, the United Nations Security Council addressed the issue, with representatives from the United States, Russia and Turkey making statements. During the same period, arrests targeting people of Arab origin in Al-Hasakah and the transfer of DAESH detainees released by the YPG/SDG to Iraq became topics of public concern. On 23–24 January, the handover of El-Aktan Prison was completed, meetings took place in Erbil between U.S. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper and U.S. Special Representative Tom Barrack with Mazlum Abdi and İlham Ahmed, the state of emergency was lifted, and the ceasefire was extended by 15 days.

Although humanitarian aid convoys, oil shipments and humanitarian corridors were opened between 25 and 27 January, YPG/SDG violations of the ceasefire continued. Following this period of heightened tension, on 29 January 2026 the parties reached a new ceasefire and phased integration understanding.^【8】

It was announced on 29 January 2026 that a new understanding had been reached between the Damascus administration and the terrorist organization YPG, providing for a ceasefire and phased integration. Under this understanding, it was agreed that security forces under the Syrian Ministry of Interior would enter the city centers of Al-Hasakah and Qamishli to withdraw military forces from contact lines and strengthen stability.

The understanding also provided for the initiation of the integration process of regional security forces, the formation of a military division comprising three brigades under YPG command, the reorganization of a brigade under Ayn al-Arab forces within a division subordinate to Aleppo province, the merging of the so-called autonomous administration institutions in YPG-controlled areas with Syrian state institutions, and the preservation of existing civil service positions.^【9】

On 21 February 2026, the Syrian government announced through the Presidential Press Office that Brigadier General Ziyad el-Ayiş had been appointed as Presidential Special Representative to oversee the implementation of the 29 January agreement and the integration process. The announcement stated that the appointment aimed to strengthen the Syrian state’s presence on the ground, overcome existing obstacles, and activate public services delivered to citizens. In this context, it was noted that internal security forces under the Ministry of Interior entered Al-Hasakah province on 2 February and Qamishli district on 3 February.^【10】

On 19 March 2026, it was reported that, under an agreement between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization YPG, a mutual exchange of 600 individuals took place in the northeastern Syrian province of Al-Hasakah and Qamishli district. According to a statement by Ahmed el-Hilali, spokesperson for the Presidential delegation, to SANA, 300 YPG members detained by government forces during operations were released, while 300 individuals held by the organization were transferred from Al-Hasakah to the Shaddadi district. El-Hilali stated that the evacuation process would continue until all prisons were fully emptied and detention files closed, and noted that the state would assume control of the organization’s prisons in Al-Hasakah province.^【11】

On 21 August 2026, members of the Presidential delegation, Ahmed el-Hilali and Mustafa el-Abdi, announced that the integration of the SDG’s military, security and administrative structures into Syrian state institutions had moved from the agreement phase to the phase of practical implementation on the ground. Ahmed el-Hilali, spokesperson for the Presidential delegation and Deputy Governor of Al-Hasakah, stated that Mazlum Abdi’s announcement regarding the completion of the integration process was a significant and positive development and that these statements constituted a clear declaration that the process had transitioned from the agreement phase to the phase of practical integration.

In an interview with Syrian Television Channel El-Ihbariye, el-Hilali said: “These statements will translate into concrete steps on the ground through the merging of institutions and administrative bodies and the resumption of all state authorities. Thus, the unity of decision-making mechanisms and Syria’s sovereignty will be guaranteed. Today’s announcement lays the foundation for a single state, a single army and a single system of institutions, ending the dual structure and parallel formations.”

El-Hilali emphasized that the final closure of the file would not be achieved merely through statements but only through the completion of practical implementation on the ground. He noted that previous steps, such as the removal of party symbols and flags from institutions and public spaces, demonstrated progress in the process, but clarified that the announcement did not mean that all stages of administrative, security and military implementation had been completed, and that efforts were ongoing to finalize integration measures to ensure state institutions became the sole authority.

On 21 August, Mustafa el-Abdi, a member of the Presidential delegation responsible for implementing the agreement, also told Syrian Television Channel El-Ihbariye that the military and civilian integration of the SDG was being carried out under state supervision. El-Abdi, noting that decisive steps had been taken since monitoring of the agreement began, declared: “We can say that the SDG file is closed.”

El-Abdi stated that the integration process had been carried out with full mutual consent of both parties, in accordance with their shared will to implement the agreement and overcome obstacles. He affirmed that the relevant institutions were now operating under existing state laws and mechanisms within the framework of Syrian ministries.^【12】

The announcement that the so-called autonomous administration of the terrorist organization YPG/SDG and all its associated military and civilian structures had been dissolved was made by Mazlum Abdi, known by the pseudonym Ferhat Abdi Şahin, to journalists on 25 August 2026 at the People’s Palace in Damascus. Şahin said: “Following the agreement with President Ahmed Şara and the completion of the integration of our forces into Syrian Army brigades, today we formally announce with great responsibility the dissolution of ourselves as an independent military force.”^【13】

Addressing the issue of Kurdish-language education, Şahin stated: “President Şara has repeatedly declared that our right to Kurdish-language education will be preserved. We have encountered an open-minded attitude toward this right and have seen that this decision will be developed in the future.” He added that efforts would be made to implement the Kurdish-language education decision within the year. Şahin concluded his remarks: “We want to build a new Syria for all its people—Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen and Assyrians—a united and stable Syria that safeguards its future and provides its children with a dignified life.”^【14】

SANA assessed that the completion of the integration process marked a fundamental step toward unifying Syrian state institutions and reestablishing the full role of the state in northeastern Syria, by ending parallel military and administrative structures that emerged during the revolution years, activating government directorates and institutions, and reintegrating the region into a unified administrative, institutional and economic framework alongside other provinces.^【15】

On 25 August 2026, President Ahmed Şara received Mazlum Abdi and his delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Esad Hasan Şeybani and Governor of Deir ez-Zor Ziyad el-Ayiş. During the meeting, various files related to the integration of Syrian state institutions and steps toward the next phase were discussed. The meeting also emphasized strengthening the state’s presence and supporting security and stability.

Minister of Information Khalid Zarur stated that the decision to dissolve the SDG and integrate its elements into Syria’s military and civilian institutions represented a victory for national unity and demonstrated that Syria embraces all its citizens. In a social media post on 25 August, Zarur said: “Today we complete a critical step in the process of rebuilding our homeland. We are entering a new era based on stability, development and the unification of efforts to build a secure future that brings us all together.”^【17】

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Mervan El-Halabi stated that the decision to dissolve the SDG, terminate its formations and administrations, and integrate its elements into Syria’s military and civilian institutions constituted a critical national step toward completing Syria’s territorial and popular unity and reinforcing the state’s and its institutions’ presence across the entire Syrian geography. In a social media post on 25 August, El-Halabi said: “We greet our Kurdish brothers as rightful partners of the homeland and emphasize that united and whole Syria embraces all its children. Syria’s diversity is a source of strength and richness. The coming period requires all Syrians to unite and work together to build a strong and secure state that protects the rights, dignity and aspirations of all its citizens.” “New Era in Syria: SDG Dissolved, Message of Unity Sent.” ^【18】

Minister of Culture Muhammed Yasin El-Salih assessed the decision to dissolve the SDG and all its affiliated structures and administrations as a new achievement in the Syrian state’s struggle to unify its territory and people. In his statement on 25 August, El-Salih said: “We welcome the joint effort to build, alongside our Kurdish brothers, a rich Syrian culture based on mutual respect and the recognition of each other’s rights, hopes and goals, and a strong national unity.”^【19】

U.S. Special Representative for Syria and Iraq Thomas Barrack characterized the integration of the SDG into Syrian state institutions as a historic event and a decisive step toward strengthening Syria’s sovereignty. In a social media post regarding the SDG’s integration, Barrack said: “A steady partner moving toward a national framework is shaping a united Syria for everyone,” adding: “President Donald Trump’s wise leadership paved the way for the orderly integration of the SDG into Syrian state institutions, transformed past divisions into lasting partnerships, and restored to the Syrian people the opportunity to chart their own shared future.”^【20】

Barrack noted that the recognition of Kurdish-language education and the assignment of active roles within the Syrian government to Mazlum Abdi and İlham Ahmed clearly demonstrated the respect due to their leadership and the constructive contribution of the Kurds to regional stability. Barrack continued: “True integration means there are no winners or losers; instead, former adversaries with differing views are formulating a diplomatic solution to strengthen Syria’s sovereignty: one army, one government, one state.”^【21】

Following the announcement by the terrorist organization YPG/SDG on 25 August 2026 that it was dissolving itself, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and France issued official statements regarding the development. Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Zeki Aktürk, along with the foreign ministries of the aforementioned Arab states and French President Emmanuel Macron, welcomed the dissolution and the integration of the organization’s elements into Syria’s state institutions.

On 26 August 2026, in Elazığ, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan assessed the dissolution of the terrorist organization YPG. Fidan stated, “Our job is to act professionally and to monitor the ground reality. If what has been stated is accurate, then this is undoubtedly a welcome development. It complements the steps we are currently seeking to take. It is a step that will strengthen Kurdish-Arab brotherhood in Syria.”

In the continuation of his statement, Fidan said, “One of the most significant acts in preparing an environment where all Syrians can look to the future with confidence. Here we emphasize that while the identity of the Kurds is preserved and no denial of identity occurs, it is equally vital that Syria’s national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity are not compromised. We expect to see this reflected in practice.”

Fidan noted that the presence of YPG in the region had long been directed not only against Syria but also against Türkiye. He added, “InshAllah, in this new phase we will resolve all these issues through mutual understanding and dialogue. We will resolve them through peace.” Fidan also shared his view that “The announcement made in Damascus is positive in text, but if implemented as stated, it will be more than positive.”

On 27 August 2026, during a weekly press briefing in Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense announced its welcome of the dissolution of the terrorist organization SDF (YPG/SDG) and its integration into Syria’s state institutions. The ministry stated that this step represents a significant development in upholding Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and in reinforcing the principle of “one state, one army.”

In response to questions on the matter, Ministry Spokesperson Zeki Aktürk affirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces will continue their support within the framework of existing military cooperation agreements. Aktürk stated that the Turkish Armed Forces will sustain their support to help extend the positive momentum achieved in Syria across the entire country, ensure lasting stability, and specifically enhance the capacity of the Syrian Army in its fight against terrorism.

On 26 August 2026, the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan welcomed the self-dissolution of the terrorist organization YPG and its integration into Syria’s state institutions.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its satisfaction with YPG’s integration into Syria’s armed forces, stating that this step would enhance the security and stability of Syria and its “brotherly people.” The ministry reiterated its support for the Syrian government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of its people for unity and development.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the integration as “a significant step toward strengthening social peace, enhancing security and stability, and building a state based on institutions and the rule of law.” The statement added, “Syria’s stability and prosperity require the state to maintain a monopoly on arms and establish a single army representing all Syrian components. This guarantees the protection of the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the integration as a measure that would strengthen Syria’s security, stability and territorial integrity, and recalled Kuwait’s “supportive and unchanging” stance toward the Syrian government’s efforts to fulfill the expectations of its people.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Fuad al-Majali described the integration as “a significant step toward strengthening Syria’s unity, security and stability.” He emphasized Jordan’s support for Syria’s reconstruction, unity, sovereignty, security and stability, the preservation of its territorial integrity, and the protection of the rights of all its citizens.

On 26 August 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron, in a social media post, welcomed the peaceful integration of the terrorist organization YPG into the Syrian state as a “decisive step.”

Macron stated, “Yesterday I congratulated Syria on the decisive step taken toward the peaceful integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian state.” He praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara for his commitment and commended SDF leader Mazlum Abdi and the organization for demonstrating a sense of responsibility.

Macron noted that France has actively supported Syria’s political transition process since its inception and will continue to closely monitor its implementation. He added, “France will continue to support Syria’s unity and sovereignty, and a transition process guided by respect for all components and the principle of the state’s monopoly on arms.” He emphasized that these principles are essential for building lasting peace and stability in Syria and beyond.

Mazlum Abdi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), was appointed as an advisor to the President of Syria by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara in August 2026. The appointment followed the official announcement that the SDF as an independent military structure had been dissolved and that its constituent forces were being integrated into Syria’s state institutions.

The official Syrian news agency SANA announced on 28 August that the decree, issued under Mazlum Abdi’s official name, stated: “Mustafa Halil Abdi has been appointed as an advisor to the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic.” The decree was published with the signature of Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara.

Mazlum Abdi, also known by his full name Mustafa Halil Abdi, emerged as one of the principal leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition led by Kurds during the Syrian civil war. Abdi, who served for many years as the SDF’s Commander-in-Chief, has been one of the most influential figures in military and political developments in northern and northeastern Syria.

Supported by the United States, the SDF operated as one of the main ground forces in operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Syria. The organization coordinated with the US-led international coalition in campaigns aimed at ending ISIS’s territorial control in Syria.

The dissolution of the SDF and the appointment of Mazlum Abdi as presidential advisor are part of a broader process to integrate the military and administrative structures in northeastern Syria into the central government. As part of this process, armed elements within the SDF are expected to be incorporated into the Syrian Armed Forces and the independent military command structure is to be abolished.