Syrian Democratic Forces

Crisis-driver or Gaza stabilizer? Why Turkey believes it switched roles with Israel - analysis

Ankara feels that from the Horn of Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria and Iraq it has increased its influence greatly in the last years. 

 The flags of Turkey and Israel are flown as President Isaac Herzog makes a state visit to Turkey, March 9, 2022.
US military vehicles drive in Hasaka, Syria December 6, 2024; illustrative.

US anti-ISIS mission in Syria is ending - analysis

CHILDREN, PART of a group of detainees, look through a fence at al-Hol camp after the Syrian government took control of it following the withdrawal of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Hasaka, Syria, January 21, 2026.

Syrian detention camp for suspected ISIS relatives nearly empty, former director says

Members of the Syrian government internal security forces gather in the northern Syrian town of Sirrin as they wait to enter the city of Kobane on February 2, 2026.

Besieged Kobane faces humanitarian disaster amid Syrian government, SDF deadlock


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.

Syria’s returning refugees face ruins, not relief - analysis

The Norwegian Refugee Council said on Thursday that the world is “failing the Syrians who have returned home.”

People load a vehicle, as some families prepare to leave the al-Hol refugee camp to go back to their hometowns, in al-Hol, Syria, April 27, 2025.

CENTCOM's ISIS leader strike indicates laser focus trying to remove ISIS from Syria - analysis

ISIS was largely defeated in Syria in 2019. However, it still has cells that operate. The US-led Coalition continues anti-terror operations across both Syria and Iraq.

 Illustration of ISIS terrorists.

Syria’s Sharaa hopes for Kurdish deal to prevent conflict

The SDF, which controls parts of northeast Syria where Arabs form a majority, has recently fortified extensive tunnel networks along the frontlines.

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.