Syrian Democratic Forces

The Syrian Democratic Forces are a multi-ethnic alliance in Syria that serves as the main ground force backed by the United States in the fight against ISIS, led by Kurdish forces alongside Arab and other ethnic groups. They are best known for leading the campaign to defeat ISIS in Syria, including the capture of Raqqa in 2017 and ongoing operations against remaining ISIS pockets. They remain a central regional actor in northeast Syria, influencing governance, security, and the broader regional dynamics involving Turkish intervention and peace talks.