Syrian Interim Leader Announces Ceasefire and Integration Deal with Kurdish Forces
The Syrian interim administration has declared a ceasefire in the northeastern region following a series of intense clashes between government forces and Kurdish militias. The announcement was made after discussions between Syria's transitional leadership and representatives from the United States, highlighting a significant development in the ongoing conflict within the country.
A comprehensive 14-point agreement has been reached with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main Kurdish militia in the northeast. Under this agreement, SDF fighters and associated Kurdish security personnel are to be formally integrated into the Syrian national defense and interior ministries. This move is intended to bring the Kurdish forces under the centralized authority of the Syrian state, marking a decisive step towards unified security control across contested regions.
As part of the deal, the Kurdish-led administration will transfer authority over the provinces of Deir Essor and Raqqa to the central government. These areas have been under Kurdish self-administration for several years amid the broader conflict. The Syrian government will assume responsibility for all detainees affiliated with the so-called Islamic State (IS) and their families, many of whom are currently held in detention centers and camps previously managed by Kurdish authorities.
The agreement was facilitated with the support of the United States, whose mediation was acknowledged as critical in reaching a resolution. The US envoy involved in the negotiations described the development as a pivotal moment in Syria's efforts to stabilize its northeastern territories and mitigate further violence between rival factions.
Recent military operations had seen Syrian government forces advance into areas previously controlled by Kurdish militias. Government troops succeeded in regaining control over several strategic locations, including districts in Aleppo and major oil fields such as Al-Omar and Al-Tanak in the Deir Essor region. The central government also reported the recapture of Takba, a city in the Raqqa province that had been a focal point of Kurdish administration.
In response to escalating tensions, the leadership of both sides opted to formalize their agreement digitally, citing adverse weather conditions that delayed in-person meetings. The decision to implement the terms of the ceasefire promptly was aimed at preventing further hostilities and establishing the groundwork for a more stable political and security environment in the affected regions.
The integration of Kurdish forces into national structures and the restoration of central government authority in historically autonomous regions signal a shift in the dynamics of the Syrian conflict. The plan is expected to facilitate greater coordination on security matters and improve oversight of facilities housing former IS combatants and their families.
Observers note that the ceasefire deal may contribute to a reduction in armed confrontations in the northeast and could serve as a model for future reconciliations between the government and other local actors. Ongoing monitoring and further negotiations are anticipated as both sides work to implement the agreement's provisions amid a complex and evolving landscape.