Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led alliance, have been a significant military force in northeastern Syria, notably overseeing numerous detention camps housing relatives of ISIL fighters. Recent developments indicate a power shift, with the SDF withdrawing from key military bases and detention facilities. This withdrawal has led to the Syrian army taking control of these sites, including the al-Shaddadi base following a US pullout. The SDF's relinquishment of control over camps like al-Hol and al-Roj has resulted in significant security concerns due to mass escapes of ISIL-linked detainees and the repatriation of foreign nationals, such as Australian women and children. These events highlight the SDF's evolving role and the complex security landscape in the region as international forces withdraw and Syrian state control expands.