In a significant development, the head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, announced the dissolution of the Kurdish-led military group as part of an agreement with the Syrian government. This historic decision was made on Tuesday at the presidential palace in Damascus, marking the end of the SDF's independent military existence and its merger with the Syrian army. The SDF, once a key partner of the United States in combating ISIL (ISIS), lost most of its territory in northeastern Syria in January during a government offensive. However, post the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Washington forged closer ties with the new Damascus administration, led by interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Abdi emphasized that this transition signifies a turning point in Syria's history, heralding an era of peace, stability, and reconstruction. He also highlighted the recognition of the Kurdish language in education as part of the deal, aiming to build a unified, stable Syria for all its ethnic groups. The US's removal of Syria from its "state sponsors of terrorism" list the day prior is another indication of strengthening ties between the two countries after al-Assad's ouster. Al-Sharaa welcomed this move, viewing it as a step towards Syria's development, reconstruction, and rebuilding.