Syrian Democratic Forces

Syria continues to build its new army as it looks to integrate various armed groups

The backbone of the army are the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham units that came out of Idlib and had fought Assad’s military for years, as well as units from southern Syria and units linked to Turkey.

 Syrian army personnel gather as they head towards Latakia to join the fight against the fighters linked to Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, in Aleppo, Syria, March 7, 2025.
 Commander-in-chief of the SDF, General Mazloum Abdi, in his military uniform.

Syrian Kurdish commander says group in direct contact with Turkey, open to Israel ties

 A soldier from the US-led coalition holds the hand of a boy during a joint US- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) patrol in the countryside of Qamishli in northeastern Syria, February 8, 2024.

US military poised to slash troops in Syria, officials say

 Syrian Kurds make the peace sign as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms in Hasakah, Syria February 27, 2025.

Syrian Kurds push for autonomy, security forces as part of federal system


Newroz celebrations reflect shifting dynamics for Kurds across Middle East - analysis

There is hope in eastern Syria that Kurdish politics could become more open to different Kurdish political parties.

Iraqi Kurds wave flags of Iraqi Kurdistan during a demonstration

Historic deal between Damascus and Kurdish-led SDF could transform Syria - analysis

The image of the two men meeting, having discarded their military uniforms and put on suits, illustrates how leaders can seize the moment and opt for peace over war. 

 The leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces signed a deal on March 11 with Syria’s new president Ahmed al-Sharaa

Kurdish SDF chief says he's open to support from Israel in Syria

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi says he welcomes Israeli support to protect Kurdish achievements, as regional tensions and security challenges persist.

 Commander-in-chief of the SDF, General Mazloum Abdi, in his military uniform.

Abdullah Ocalan calls on PKK to dissolve, regional leaders react

Regional leaders welcome calls for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve.

 Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region,

US-Turkey ties: How Trump and Erdogan's new and old problems may impact Israel - opinion

Now, as Donald on his second term, many of these key disputes with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan remain unresolved, while new frictions have emerged – some of which could significantly impact Israel.

US President Donald Trump speaks next to Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan during a joint news conference at the White House in Washington, US, November 13, 2019

Is the US planning to withdraw troops from Syria? - analysis

The big question is what comes next in Syria and how the government of Shara’a is able to navigate the differing agendas in the country.

 A soldier from the US-led coalition stands guard during a joint patrol in the countryside of Qamishli in northeastern Syria. February 8, 2024.

US-backed forces kill five ISIS operatives in Iraq, capture leaders in Syria

ISIS remains a threat to the region and beyond, and CENTCOM, along with partners and allies, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists to protect the homeland,” CENTCOM said.

A STATUE of a Peshmerga fighter in Kirkuk.

AANES ambassador to 'Post': 'Syria’s security needs Israel involved' - interview

Syrian Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed says Israel must be part of the solution for Middle East security as tensions rise between the SDF and Islamist rulers in Damascus.

 AANES Kurdish fighters in Syria.

What will Turkey do with Syria's Kurdish population? - opinion

Although Erdogan might deplore the effect on Turkey’s domestic political scene, he may yet see an autonomous Kurdish region recognized within a new Syrian constitution.

WOMEN TAKE PART in a rally demanding that the new Islamist rulers in Damascus respect women’s rights and condemn Turkish-backed military campaigns in Kurdish-led regions of the north, in the northeastern city of Qamishli, Syria, last month. If any ethnic group deserves justice, it is the Kurds.

Israel should not gamble on the Kurds, our strategy should be based in reality - opinion

With the stars aligning, Israel, as a regional power, should use its new and improved position to advance its security interests, basing them on the reality on the ground, not wishful thinking.

Turkish Kurds watch smoke rises over Syrian town of Kobani after an airstrike, as seen from the Mursitpinar border crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province, October 18, 2014. A U.S.-led military coalition has been bombing Islamic State fighters wh

Syrian rebels enter northern city of Manbij, Turkish source says

Manbij city is some 30 km (19 miles) south of the Turkish border and to the west of the Euphrates River.

 A group of U.S. Soldiers observe Turkish military forces on the other side of the demarcation line outside Manbij, Syria, August 11, 2018.