Syrian authorities, Kurds agree integration deal, US hails ‘historic milestone’

The edges announce the deal after authorities forces underneath President Ahmed al-Sharaa captured swathes of northern and jap Syria from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces

BEIRUT, Lebanon – The Syrian authorities and Kurdish forces declared a ceasefire deal on Friday that units out a phased integration of Kurdish fighters into the state, averting a probably bloody battle and drawing US reward for a “historic milestone.”

The edges introduced the deal after authorities forces underneath President Ahmed al-Sharaa captured swathes of northern and jap Syria from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) group this month. This pressured the Kurdish forces to retreat right into a shrinking enclave within the northeast.

The destiny of the SDF, which took over 1 / 4 or extra of Syria throughout its 2011-24 civil conflict, has been one of many greatest points looming over Syria since Islamist insurgents led by Sharaa toppled President Bashar al-Assad 14 months in the past.

US envoy Tom Barrack, who has been carefully concerned in mediation efforts, declared Friday’s accord “a profound and historic milestone in Syria’s journey towards nationwide reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability.”

The SDF was as soon as Washington’s fundamental Syrian ally, taking part in a significant half within the combat towards Islamic State militants. However its place grew weaker as President Donald Trump constructed shut ties with Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has now introduced virtually all of Syria again underneath the authority of Damascus.

US envoy praises ‘brave steps’

Below the settlement, forces that had massed alongside entrance traces within the north would pull again and Inside Ministry safety forces would deploy to the middle of the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli within the northeast, each now held by the SDF.

The settlement consists of the formation of a navy division that may embody three SDF brigades, along with a brigade for forces within the SDF-held city of Kobani, often known as Ain al-Arab, which can be affiliated to the governorate of Aleppo.

The Syrian official stated the navy division within the northeast would come with “teams from the SDF inside brigades, alongside different brigades.”

Governing our bodies arrange by the Kurdish-led teams within the northeast are to be merged with state establishments. However Elham Ahmad, a senior Kurdish official, advised reporters through an interpreter that they’d retain the co-chair system developed underneath autonomy-minded Kurdish authorities, with one male director and one feminine director.

Damascus and the SDF first struck an integration deal final March, however made scant progress in the direction of implementation earlier than a year-end deadline, paving the best way for the authorities offensive.

“Either side have taken brave steps: the Syrian authorities in extending significant inclusion and rights, and the Kurdish communities in embracing a unified framework that honors their contributions whereas advancing the widespread good,” Barrack stated.

Kurds have been on excessive alert for a possible authorities thrust into their remaining enclave, conscious of final 12 months’s violence towards minority Alawites and Druze.

Noah Bonsey, senior adviser with the Worldwide Disaster Group suppose tank, stated the deal was “a probably historic turning level” that appeared to put out a center floor for either side.

“It spares northeast Syria what might have been a very ugly navy showdown. Implementation can be tough. There are lots of challenges forward,” he stated.

Turkey stated it was scrutinising the settlement. International Minister Hakan Fidan stated “real integration is in Syria’s curiosity, and the events are already conscious of its circumstances.”

Turkey has despatched forces into Syria a number of instances since 2016, deeming the SDF an extension of the Kurdistan Employees Social gathering (PKK), which took up arms towards the Turkish state in 1984 however started a peace course of with Ankara in 2025.

Unifying Syrian territory

Ahmad, the Kurdish official, stated France and the US ought to set up a mechanism to make sure the deal is carried out accurately, citing fears it may very well be derailed by “spoilers,” with out specifying additional.

Syrian officers stated on Friday they feared figures throughout the PKK who reject the deal wouldn’t abide by the ceasefire.

An SDF assertion stated the deal “goals to unify Syrian territory and obtain full integration within the area.” The Syrian authorities shared an virtually similar assertion with Reuters.

A senior Syrian authorities official advised Reuters the deal was remaining and had been reached late on Thursday night time, and that implementation was to start instantly.

The statements didn’t handle management of the final remaining SDF-controlled border crossing to northern Iraq, referred to as Semalka. The Syrian official stated the Syrian state would take over all border crossings.

Ahmad stated Semalka border officers can be built-in into the central state however that extra discussions would must be held with Damascus. – Rappler.com