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Mazloum Abdi appointed as advisor to Syrian president

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as advisor just three days after their dissolution.

28 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Mazloum Abdi appointed as advisor to Syrian president — Archive photoPhoto: Original photo by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office , used under CC BY 4.0. Cropped by HurricaneEdgar . · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a personal advisor. This appointment was announced in a decree released on Friday by the state news agency SANA. Abdi's appointment comes just three days after the announced dissolution of the SDF, which had played a significant role in the region.

The SDF, a Kurdish-led militia, has been a central player in the fight against the Islamic State in Syria in recent years. In a televised speech on Tuesday, Abdi declared the end of the SDF's operations and their dissolution as an independent force. These steps are part of an integration agreement with the Damascus government aimed at stabilizing the region.

Abdi had led the SDF for years and was instrumental in strategic decisions shaping the group’s military operations. The dissolution of the SDF heralds a significant shift in Syria's political landscape, as it could influence the relationships between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government.

Al-Sharaa, who is serving as a transitional president, has restructured several key positions in recent months. This appointment is seen as part of a broader strategy to reintegrate Kurdish forces into the state structures. The move could also impact regional security dynamics, given the long-standing tensions between the central government and Kurdish groups.

The decision to appoint Abdi is being monitored by various international observers, as the role of the Kurds in Syrian politics remains contentious. The SDF has historically been active not only militarily but also politically, having established autonomous governance in northeastern Syria. The current developments raise questions regarding future governance structures in these areas.

In recent years, support for the SDF from international actors, particularly the United States, has been a crucial component of their military strength. Abdi's new position as advisor to al-Sharaa could signify a shift not only for the Kurdish forces but also for all of Syrian politics and international relations in the region.

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