Syria declared a ceasefire with Kurdish forces on Tuesday after taking control of territory in the northeast. The Kurdish forces were given four days to negotiate integrating into the central state, a move encouraged by their main ally, the United States.
Recent rapid government advancements and the apparent withdrawal of U.S. support signify a significant shift in control in Syria since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by rebels 13 months ago. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack hailed the integration offer, which includes citizenship rights, cultural protections, and political participation, as a major opportunity for the Kurds.
The U.S. emphasized that the original purpose of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily backed by Washington in the fight against the Islamic State, has largely been fulfilled, and the U.S. has no long-term interest in maintaining a presence in Syria.
Expressing “grave concern” over the situation, a White House official urged all parties to engage in sincere negotiations. The SDF accepted a ceasefire with the Syrian government and pledged not to initiate military actions unless provoked.
A Syrian government statement revealed an understanding with the SDF to develop an integration plan for Hasakah province, warning of potential entry by state forces into two SDF-controlled cities if such a plan is not submitted. The government initiated a four-day ceasefire and requested the SDF to nominate a candidate for a role in the defense ministry in Damascus as part of the integration process.
Northeast Syria, located between Turkey and Iraq and home to Kurds and Arabs, was previously overrun by the Islamic State before being pushed back by the SDF with U.S.-led coalition support. However, Turkey has expressed concerns about the Kurdish YPG, the primary component of the SDF, viewing it as linked to the PKK group, which has carried out a prolonged insurgency in Turkey.
Following Assad’s removal in December 2024, Syria has been led by former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has allied closely with Turkey. The region remains sensitive, especially to Ankara, and is of global interest due to SDF-guarded facilities holding Islamic State militants and associated civilians.
Around 200 low-level Islamic State fighters reportedly escaped Shaddadi prison in northeast Syria when the SDF departed, with many recaptured by Syrian government forces. The Syrian Interior Ministry disclosed that approximately 120 detainees had escaped, with 81 already apprehended.
The SDF also withdrew from the al-Hol camp, which accommodates numerous civilians linked to the jihadist group near the Iraqi border. Syrian officials notified the U.S. of the SDF’s withdrawal intention from the camp, with government forces prepared to take control.
Syrian military sources reported government advancements in eastern areas of Hasakah province and near Kobani on the Turkish border. The SDF retains control of Hasakah City and Qamishli, both ethnically diverse cities.
Tensions between the SDF and Damascus escalated this month due to disagreements over the fate of fighters and territories. The SDF agreed to withdraw from Raqqa and Deir al-Zor provinces, with government forces subsequently entering Hasakah province.
Reports indicated a strained meeting between SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Sharaa after Abdi signed a 14-point agreement with the government. The U.S., closely aligned with Sharaa, has played an active role in mediating between the conflicting parties.
