Syrian Government and Kurds Reach Ceasefire Deal for Northeast Integration

The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) group declared a ceasefire deal that foresees a phased integration of Kurdish forces with the state. This move aims to stave off a potentially bloody battle for northeastern Syria, following President Assad’s forces capturing large swathes from SDF-held areas this month.

The sides announced the agreement after government forces under President Assad took control of northern and eastern Syrian regions in recent months, forcing the Kurdish-led groups into a shrinking enclave. The fate of the SDF—once controlling a quarter or more of Syria—remained one of the most contentious issues since Assad’s forces ousted him 14 months ago.

US envoy Tom Barrack praised the agreement as “a profound and historic milestone in Syria’s journey towards national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability.” Under the terms agreed upon, military forces along the front lines would withdraw, with Interior Ministry security forces deploying to Hasakah and Qamishli. A new military division including three SDF brigades will be formed alongside a brigade for fighters in the town of Kobani.

Governments established by Kurdish-led groups in northeastern Syria are scheduled to merge with Syrian state institutions. The deal also includes creating a military division comprising both SDF forces and other brigades, under the authority of the Defence Ministry.

Senior adviser Noah Bonsey from the International Crisis Group praised the agreement as “a potentially historic turning point,” noting that while progress remains challenging, it spares northeastern Syria from what could have been an ugly military showdown.

The deal was finalized on Thursday night by a Syrian government official and broadcast by state-run Al-Ikhbariya. Implementation is expected to begin immediately, following years of negotiations and limited progress under the March agreement between Damascus and SDF.

While the US has been closely involved in mediation efforts for over a year, its position towards the Kurdish-led groups weakened as President Trump formed closer ties with Assad.

Damascus now seeks control over border crossings like Semalka to northern Iraq. The Syrian official announced that all border crossings would be under government control, though no immediate response was received from SDF regarding their stance on this.

The deal does not address SDF-held areas adjacent to northern Iraq, including Kobani. Kurds have been wary of a potential push by Assad’s forces into the predominantly Kurdish northeastern territories, recalling last year’s violence against minority Alawite and Druze communities.