Turkey Welcomes SDF Declaration to Dissolve, Citing Positive Momentum for Syrian Unity

In late August, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the end of its mission and the dissolution of the group as an independent military force. The declaration was made by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus and was immediately addressed by Turkish officials, who described the development as a welcome step toward a unified Syrian state and the principle of “one state, one army.”

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

The SDF, whose backbone is the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), has been a key ally of the United States in the fight against the Islamic State while simultaneously being viewed by Ankara as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization. Turkey has pursued an anti-terrorism campaign at home following a ceasefire declaration by the PKK, which also announced its own disbandment. Recent negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian government have resulted in the handover of strategic facilities—border gates, airports and oil fields—to Damascus under a 2025-2026 integration framework.

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking in the eastern province of Elazig, said the wording of the Damascus statement was positive and emphasized that its practical implementation must be verified on the ground.

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

Defense Ministry officials, quoted by local media, described the SDF declaration as an important development for strengthening the “one state, one army” principle. They pledged continued support for the Syrian army within the framework of the existing military cooperation agreement, aiming to make stability permanent and improve Syrian forces’ capability in the fight against terrorism.

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

• “The statement made in Damascus is positive in terms of its wording, but it would be highly positive if it happens in practice as stated,” — Hakan Fidan, Elazig foreign minister

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

• “Our job is to act professionally and check its practical implementation on the ground,” — Hakan Fidan, Elazig foreign minister

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

• Turkish security forces reported the surrender of five PKK terrorists over the past week.

Ankara hails YPG dissolution as step toward unified Syrian state

• In the same period, 550 individuals attempting illegal border crossings were apprehended, while 807 were prevented from crossing. Since the start of the year, 9,080 people have been detained for illegal entry attempts, and 47,384 have been stopped.

Ankara hails YPG dissolution as step toward unified Syrian state

The dissolution of the SDF removes a major armed actor that Ankara has long considered a security threat. If the handover of facilities to Damascus proceeds, it could consolidate Syrian state authority, reduce the space for autonomous Kurdish militias, and potentially lower the risk of cross-border insurgent activity that Turkey cites as a justification for its own counter-terrorism operations.

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

Sources note that senior SDF officials have been offered positions within the Syrian government, but details of any formal agreements remain unclear. Additionally, while the SDF’s public declaration signals dissolution, independent verification of the disarmament process on the ground has not yet been provided.

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow

Turkish officials indicated that they will monitor the practical implementation of the SDF’s dissolution and continue supporting Syrian security reforms under the existing cooperation framework. No specific timeline for further verification steps was disclosed.

Fidan says SDF declaration positive, action must follow