Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a Kurdish-led combat group, now disbanded, as a presidential consultant, signaling improved relations between the two historical adversaries in the civil war. For over ten years, Mazloum Abdi commanded the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which collaborated with the U.S. to combat the Islamic State and gain control over significant parts of northern and eastern Syria to establish a semi-autonomous region. Following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 by a rebel coalition led by Sharaa, the new Islamist-led regime in Syria demanded the incorporation of SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the national framework.
The integration process faced delays until a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January paved the way for merging the SDF with the authorities based in Damascus. Abdi declared the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the commencement of a new era focused on “peace and engagement in the rebuilding of the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential adviser was disclosed through a decree issued by Sharaa, although his specific role’s nature remains unclear.
Under Abdi’s leadership, the SDF and its associated bodies implemented governance structures that promoted gender equality by having both men and women co-chairing positions. The group combated extremist factions such as the Islamic State and the local branch of al-Qaeda, formerly led by Sharaa before he severed ties with the organization. As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being absorbed into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including high-ranking individuals who had previously criticized the Syrian government.
During the January clashes, prominent Kurdish commander Sipan Hamo suggested that Israel should conduct airstrikes against Syrian forces. Following the announcement of the integration agreement a few weeks later, Hamo was appointed as the deputy defense minister. The issue of integrating female fighters from the SDF into the national armed forces, which currently lack female personnel, remains unresolved.
Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, welcomed the dissolution of the SDF, which it had long accused of having ties to its banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group.