Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a disbanded Kurdish-led combat force as a presidential consultant, indicating a reconciliation between the two historic adversaries in the civil war. Over the past decade, Mazloum Abdi headed the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which partnered with the U.S. to combat the Islamic State and gain control over 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 government of Syria insisted on integrating SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the state. The integration process faced delays until a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January resulted in a plan to merge the SDF with the authorities based in Damascus.
Abdi recently declared that the SDF would officially disband, marking the beginning of a new era focused on “peace and contributing to the development of the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential adviser was publicized in a decree issued by Sharaa, although the exact nature of the role remains unclear.
Under Abdi’s leadership, the SDF and its associated entities implemented governance systems that promoted gender equality by having both men and women co-chairing structures. The group confronted extremist factions such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda’s local branch, once led by Sharaa before severing ties with the organization.
As part of the integration process, SDF combatants are being absorbed into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including key figures who had previously criticized the ruling Syrian government. The issue of integrating female SDF fighters into the national armed forces, which currently lack female personnel, is still pending resolution.
Turkey, an ally of Sharaa, welcomed the dissolution of the SDF, which it had long accused of having connections to its banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group.