Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has named Mazloum Abdi, once the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, as his presidential adviser, according to state media reports on Friday. The move comes days after Abdi announced the dissolution of his Kurdish forces under an integration deal with Damascus, signaling a potential shift in the country’s wartime alliances.
The announcement, reported by Syrian state media, confirms Abdi’s new role within the presidency. It marks a notable development in the ongoing realignment that has characterized Syria’s civil conflict, with Damascus seeking to bring former adversaries into its formal political fold. Abdi previously led the Kurdish-led force, which has been a major actor in the fight against Islamic State and in the broader conflict across northern Syria.
Details surrounding the adviser appointment, including the scope of Abdi’s duties or the timeline for his formal duties, were not provided in the report. The state media description emphasizes a rapprochement between the Assad government and the Kurdish-led faction, a dynamic that has evolved at various points during Syria’s protracted war.
Abdi’s confirmation as an adviser follows public statements about the dissolution of the Kurdish-led forces, a development that appears tied to the integration efforts with Damascus. The report did not specify the terms of the integration or the arrangements that accompany such a transition, nor did it outline how active the Kurdish leadership will remain in military or political structures under the new arrangement.
The situation highlights how Syria’s civil conflict continues to shift as former foes explore pathways to collaboration within the country’s political framework. The appointment places Abdi in a position within the presidential orbit, potentially influencing future governance and security considerations as the state seeks broader reconciliation and stability. No additional statements from officials or representatives were included in the report.
