Syria’s government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a ceasefire and integration deal Friday. The agreement will gradually merge Kurdish forces with state institutions, averting a potential military clash in the northeast. The deal follows recent government advances that pushed SDF fighters into a smaller enclave.
Under the agreement, SDF fighters will form brigades under the Syrian Defence Ministry, while Interior Ministry forces will enter Hasakah and Qamishli. Governing institutions in the northeast will also merge with Damascus-led administration. Officials emphasized that this deal aims to unify Syrian territory and rebuild the war-torn region.
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The United States played a key role in mediating the deal over the past year. US envoy Tom Barrack called it a “historic milestone” for Syria’s national reconciliation and long-term stability. Analysts noted the agreement spares the northeast from a bloody confrontation, though implementation may face challenges.
Today’s announcement of the comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) represents a profound and historic milestone in Syria’s journey toward national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability. This carefully negotiated step,… https://t.co/7uDICKiurF
— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) January 30, 2026
The SDF was previously a major US ally against Islamic State, but its influence weakened after President Donald Trump strengthened ties with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Areas recently captured by Damascus include Syria’s main oil fields and agricultural regions, though control of the Semalka border crossing to Iraq remains unresolved.
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Kurds remain cautious as the deal is implemented, aware of past government violence in minority regions. Officials confirmed the integration will begin immediately, with Kurdish fighters joining brigades as individuals under the Defence Ministry. Both sides described the arrangement as a step toward stability, unity, and cooperative rebuilding of Syria.