• Collapsed: This would be evidenced by reports from SDF leadership that the SDF has disbanded or that they can no longer function as a cohesive military or administrative entity.
• Fragmented: This would be evidenced by reports of significant divisions within the SDF leading to splinter groups that operate independently or engage in conflict with each other.
• Lost Control Over Key Territories: Reports need to indicate that Manbij, Raqqa, or Deir ez-Zor are no longer under effective SDF governance. Indicators of loss of control may include significant armed conflict resulting in the SDF being unable to maintain security or governance in these areas; withdrawal of SDF forces due to overwhelming opposition; and the emergence of rival administrations or armed groups asserting control over these territories, leading to a breakdown in SDF-led governance structures. 

For the purposes of this question, when we refer to "the territories of Manbij, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor", we are referring to the broader regions of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the political and administrative body that governs the regions defended by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Below is a general outline of the regions currently under AANES/SDF control:

• Manbij: This includes the city of Manbij and its surrounding areas under the control of the Manbij Military Council (MMC), which is part of the SDF. This area extends to the western banks of the Euphrates River but does not include territories beyond the river.
• Raqqa: This refers to the city of Raqqa and the Raqqa Region as defined by the AANES. It does not encompass the entire Raqqa Governorate, but rather the areas currently under SDF control, which are predominantly north and east of the city but include some territory south of the Euphrates as well.
• Deir ez-Zor: This includes the parts of Deir ez-Zor currently under SDF control, primarily the areas east of the Euphrates River. It does not include the entire Deir ez-Zor Governorate, as much of the governorate is under the control of the Syrian government, including Deir ez-Zor city itself.

The Syrian Democratic Council (the political leadership of the AANES) includes a map of the regions of the AANES on the website of their diplomatic mission to the U.S. Note that the boundaries are not exact and the city of Deir ez-Zor is not considered to be currently under control of the SDF, for the purposes of this question.