Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a Kurdish-led military group, Mazloum Abdi, as a presidential adviser, signaling a reconciliation between the two historical foes of the civil war. Abdi had commanded the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for over a decade, collaborating with the U.S. to combat the Islamic State and gain control over parts of northern and eastern Syria, aiming to establish a semi-autonomous region.
Following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 by a rebel alliance led by Sharaa, the new Islamist-led government of Syria had insisted on the integration of SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the national framework. However, progress on this front stalled until a swift offensive in January by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters resulted in a plan to merge the SDF with the authorities in Damascus.
Abdi recently announced the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the commencement of a phase focused on “peace and contributing to the rebuilding of the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential adviser was declared through an official decree issued by Sharaa, though the specific duties of this role remained unclear.
During Abdi’s leadership, the SDF implemented governance models that promoted gender equality by having both men and women co-chairing various institutions. The group also engaged in combat against extremist factions such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda’s local wing, once led by Sharaa before he disassociated from the organization.
As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being absorbed into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including prominent figures who had previously criticized the Syrian government. The issue of integrating female SDF fighters into the national armed forces, which currently lack female personnel, is still pending resolution.
Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, expressed support for the dissolution of the SDF, which it had accused of having ties to its banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant faction.