Syria’s president appoints ex-commander of Kurdish-led SDF as advisor

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a presidential advisor. This appointment, announced via Decree No 164, occurred three days after Abdi declared the dissolution of the SDF and its integration into the Syrian military. Abdi is the highest-ranking Kurdish figure to be given a state post, following other commanders appointed to roles earlier this year. This advisory position is less significant than a previous offer in January to become deputy defense minister and governor of Hasakah province. The move follows a March 2025 agreement to fold the SDF into the central government, which saw state forces take control of key cities in January after limited progress on the deal. A ceasefire then placed these cities under government control and mandated the SDF's absorption into defense and interior ministries, though the YPJ women's units have not yet been integrated.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has officially dissolved, with its fighters integrating into the Syrian state military. This move, announced by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, sees the civilian institutions previously controlled by the SDF handed over to the state. While international players have welcomed this step as a move towards national unity, Kurds in the northeast hold mixed emotions, balancing hope for strengthened rights with caution due to past marginalization. Some residents express concern over the loss of the SDF as an organization and recent price increases following the government's assumption of control. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has pledged to improve Kurdish rights, and senior SDF figures are reportedly being offered roles in the Syrian government.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced their dissolution and integration into the Syrian military, a move hailed as a victory for Damascus in asserting sole authority. This integration, however, faces unresolved questions regarding command and deployment, indicating that divisions from the prolonged conflict are not entirely eradicated. The SDF, primarily based in the northeast and representing the Kurdish population, had previously resisted relinquishing autonomy but shifted due to a government offensive and changing US backing. While the formal merge is complete, establishing a unified military culture and chain of command will be a lengthy process, with potential apprehension from Kurdish communities seeking guarantees on their rights.