Arab and international parties welcomed the announcement on Tuesday, August 25, of the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their full integration into Syrian state institutions.

Qatar welcomed the move, describing it as an “important” step toward consolidating civil peace, strengthening security and stability, and building a state based on institutions and the rule of law. It said Syria’s stability and prosperity require the state to hold a monopoly on arms through a single army representing all components of Syrian society, in a way that preserves the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Qatar also expressed appreciation for Syria’s approach and continued efforts to bring all segments of society under the umbrella of the state, reiterating its full support for Syria’s sovereignty and the Syrian people’s aspirations for freedom, development, and prosperity.

Jordan also welcomed the announcement of the SDF’s integration into Syrian state institutions, saying the move would contribute to strengthening Syria’s unity, security, and stability.

Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Fuad al-Majali said the kingdom supports Syria’s reconstruction on foundations that guarantee its unity, sovereignty, security, stability, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, while preserving the rights of all Syrians.

Saudi Arabia, for its part, welcomed the integration of the SDF into Syrian military institutions, saying the move would contribute to achieving security and stability in Syria.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the kingdom renewed its support for steps taken by the Syrian government to fulfill the Syrian people’s aspirations and continue the path toward unity and development. It also expressed its wishes for security, peace, and prosperity for Syria and its people.

 International Reactions

US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack described the announcement of the SDF’s dissolution as an “exceptionally historic” step.

Barrack said the “far-sighted leadership” of President Donald Trump had opened the way for the SDF’s orderly integration into Syrian state institutions, turning previous divisions into a sustainable partnership and restoring Syrians’ opportunity to shape their shared future.

He added that the integration involved neither a winner nor a loser, but rather parties that had previously stood opposed to one another and held differing views, which were now shaping a diplomatic solution that strengthens Syrian state sovereignty through “one army, one government, and one state.”

Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for Turkey’s Justice and Development Party, described the dissolution of the SDF as an “important stage in strengthening Syria’s internal unity.”

Çelik said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had “waged a major struggle to protect all Syrian brothers from terrorism and imperialist attacks,” according to his description. He added that steps taken by the Syrian administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa toward establishing inclusive governance had contributed to significant progress in Syria’s emergence from the “darkness of the past.”

Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, also welcomed the announcement of the SDF’s dissolution and continued progress on security and administrative integration in northeastern Syria, expressing hope for further steps to complete implementation of the January 29, 2026 agreement.

Announcement of SDF Dissolution

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced on Tuesday, August 25, the dissolution of the SDF, the Autonomous Administration, and all military and civilian formations affiliated with them, confirming their full integration into Syrian state institutions.

Abdi made the announcement during a press conference at the People’s Palace in Damascus following meetings and discussions with Syrian government officials on completing the implementation of agreements signed between the two sides.

Abdi said that “circumstances have changed today” and that the country had entered “a new phase defined by peace and the building of a new Syria.”

The dissolution announcement followed an agreement signed between the Syrian government and the SDF on January 29, which provided for a ceasefire and the start of a gradual process to integrate SDF forces and institutions into Syrian state institutions.

The agreement included transferring the management of border crossings, oil and gas fields, prisons, and camps holding members of the Islamic State group to the state.

It also provided for integrating civilian institutions into state institutions, guaranteeing civil and educational rights for Kurds, and facilitating the return of displaced people.

The agreement also stipulated the removal from Syria of non-Syrian members linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).