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Kurdish women fighters seek role in Syria's new security structure

Kurdish women fighters from a dissolved Syrian militia are seeking positions in state security forces as Damascus consolidates control over armed groups.

By Middle East Affairs
September 7, 2026
A female fighter in military camouflage clothing handles a rifle during a training exercise at an outdoor facility with other armed personnel visible in the background.
A Kurdish female fighter demonstrates weapons handling as part of training exercises. Kurdish women fighters are seeking integration into Syria's state security forces following the dissolution of their militia. (Al Jazeera English)
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The all-female Kurdish militia YPJ is seeking to preserve its combat operations in Syria following the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the broader armed alliance it was part of. YPJ commanders are pushing for more than 1,500 of their fighters to join special forces units within the Syrian Interior Ministry.

The push comes as the Damascus government moves to bring armed groups under state control. The YPJ, whose name translates to Women's Protection Units, has fought against ISIL in northeast Syria alongside the SDF.

The Syrian government has been working to consolidate security forces and disband independent militias as it seeks to assert authority over territory recovered from ISIL and stabilize the country after years of conflict.

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Kurdish women fighters seek role in Syria's new security structure | Middle East Affairs