Syrian flag raised in central Hasakah as SDF symbols are removed

The Syrian flag was officially raised in Peace Square in the center of Hasakah, northeastern Syria, before thousands of people, as the removal of symbols of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the city began.

The Syrian flag was officially raised on Thursday in Peace Square in the center of Hasakah, northeastern Syria, before thousands of people, closing years of SDF control over a city that had been the last major stronghold of the Kurdish-led autonomous administration.

Footage showed Syrian security personnel unfurling a large Syrian flag amid crowds in the city center, while convoys of cars and motorcycles carrying flags drove through the streets. Work also began to remove symbols and slogans of the SDF and affiliated groups from buildings and main squares, and a giant Syrian flag is expected to be hung in the city center.

Lettering and symbols being removed from a building in Hasakah

The integration process

The Tal Hajar quarter of Hasakah (archive)

The developments follow a Jan. 29, 2026 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced on Aug. 25 that the group would cease to exist as an independent force after its integration into the Syrian army, and Syrian internal security forces entered central Hasakah on Sept. 1, taking over the al-Talai camp.

On Friday, Oct. 2, thousands marched from the Ghweiran neighborhood to the governorate square under the slogan "Friday of Enforcing Sovereignty," demanding that state institutions take full control of the province and that the dual security and administrative structures end.