The Syrian Democratic Forces, tip of the spear in anti-jihadist fight

AI Summary

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), previously the most organized anti-jihadist force in Syria, dissolved as announced by their leader Mazloum Abdi. The US had backed the SDF, which was sidelined in favor of a new US-friendly government in Damascus, marking a shift in regional power dynamics.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, whose dissolution was announced by their leader Mazloum Abdi on Tuesday, were the Washington-backed de facto army of the Kurds' autonomous administration in Syria and spearheaded the battle against jihadists. The force was Syria's most highly trained and organised for years, until Washington dropped them for the new US-friendly authorities in Damascus.