The Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the signing of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that provides for the phased integration of SDF military formations and administrative structures into nationwide institutions. According to official sources, this step is aimed at reuniting Syrian territory, restoring the rule of law, and achieving full integration through enhanced cooperation among all interested parties. The agreement marks a potentially pivotal moment in the long-running conflict in the country’s northeast.
On the military front, the agreement includes the withdrawal of troops from the line of contact and the deployment of security forces subordinate to the Ministry of Interior to key cities Al-Hasakah and Al-Qamishli to strengthen stability. It also foresees the formation of a military brigade composed of three regiments from former SDF fighters and a separate regiment from the Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) region to be part of a brigade subordinated to Aleppo province. The appointment of Brigadier General Marwan al-Ali as commander of internal security for Al-Hasakah province is part of measures to transfer force-related powers to the state.
On the civilian and administrative front, the arrangements envisage the integration of autonomous administration bodies into state structures while preserving positions for civil servants. Special attention is given to addressing the civil and educational rights of the Kurdish community, as well as ensuring the return of displaced persons to their areas. The state is to assume control over all civilian and governmental institutions, border crossings, and checkpoints, which would eliminate the existence of territories outside its jurisdiction.
The international community, represented by U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barakeh, praised the agreement. Barakeh called it “a historic and deeply significant milestone on Syria’s path to national reconciliation, unity, and lasting stability.” In his statement he emphasized that the Syrian government demonstrates a commitment to genuine national partnership, inclusive governance, and facilitating the gradual integration of SDF military, security, and administrative structures into unified state institutions.
The agreement was preceded by an escalation of tensions: in recent weeks the Syrian army established control over Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces following clashes with the SDF. These operations were launched after SDF formations violated previous arrangements with the government. Earlier, on January 18, the parties had already signed a ceasefire agreement that also provided for the integration of SDF elements into government structures, including the management of prisons and camps left from ISIL.
The implementation of the agreement will proceed in several phases and includes comprehensive settlement, individual integration of security structures into state units, and the transfer of civilian and administrative infrastructure to the state. These measures are aimed at preventing the emergence of autonomous enclaves. The success of the agreement’s implementation, including its timetable and specific steps, will be closely watched at both local and international levels, since long-term stability in Syria depends on it.
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What was the actual degree of autonomy of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) before this agreement and which territories did they control? - The SDF had significant de facto autonomy in northeastern Syria, controlling about a third of the country’s territory, including parts of Al-Hasakah, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Aleppo provinces. They established their own administrative bodies, security forces, and judicial system, introduced Kurdish-language education, and managed local resources such as oil fields. However, this autonomy was not officially recognized by the central government in Damascus, and the SDF depended on oil revenue and control over border crossings.
What was specific about the situation of the Kurdish community in regions controlled by the SDF, and why is resolving their rights highlighted separately? - In SDF-controlled areas the Kurdish community, historically subjected to discrimination and assimilation, for the first time obtained the opportunity to openly use their language in education and official affairs, participate in local self-government, and develop their culture. This created a model of ethnic pluralism but also raised concerns among parts of the Arab population and provoked sharp opposition from Turkey, which views Kurdish forces as a threat. Resolving their rights is singled out because it is a central issue for regional stability and a key demand of the Kurdish side in any negotiations on Syria’s future.
What was the status and significance of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor in the context of the conflict, and why did Syrian army control of them presage the agreement? - Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor were of critical economic and strategic importance: they host Syria’s main oil and gas fields, as well as important agricultural lands and water resources. Raqqa was notorious as the capital of the “Islamic State,” and Deir ez-Zor served as a key transport hub. The return of these territories to Syrian army control deprived the SDF of a significant portion of their economic base and strengthened Damascus’s negotiating position, forcing Kurdish leadership to seek a political settlement to preserve at least some of their gains.
Full version: الحكومة السورية وقسد تعلنان اتفاقا شاملا لوقف إطلاق النار والدمج بمؤسسات الدولة