Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, former commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as adviser to the Presidency of the Republic in late August 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
On August 25, Abdi announced the dissolution of the SDF, citing "the completion of the process of integrating our forces into the brigades of the Syrian army" as part of a deal reached with the government [1, 2, 3, 4]. The integration follows a January 29 agreement between Abdi and al-Sharaa to cease hostilities and gradually fold the SDF into Syrian state institutions, including the Defense Ministry [1, 4].
The deal effectively ends Kurdish hopes for official autonomy after a government offensive in January 2026 pressured the SDF to negotiate [1, 2, 3]. Some senior SDF commanders critical of the Syrian administration, such as Sipan Hamo, have been appointed to government roles like deputy defense minister [1]. However, it remains unclear if Abdi’s adviser role will hold executive power or be largely ceremonial [1].
US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack praised the integration as "what real integration looks like... former counterparts with differing points of view crafting a diplomatic solution to strengthen the sovereign nation of Syria" [2]. He also said, "Securing substantive roles for our valued partners including Abdi within the government pays due respect to their leadership, the sacrifices of our Kurdish partners, and the constructive contribution they have made to regional stability" [3].
Turkey welcomed the dissolution of the SDF, which it had long accused of links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) [1]. One unresolved issue remains how female SDF fighters will be integrated into the Syrian armed forces, which currently have no female troops [1].
News agencies reported on the appointment and integration process on August 28, 2026 [1, 4].
