The Syrian government has announced an immediate nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), taking almost full control of the country, Syrian state media reports.
The ceasefire ends nearly two weeks of fighting and forms part of a broader 14-point agreement that will see the SDF integrated into Syria's military and state institutions.
Speaking in Damascus, President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that the deal would allow Syrian state institutions to reassert control over three eastern and northern governorates - al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa.
This agreement follows a meeting between al-Sharaa and the US special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, in Damascus, where Barrack praised the truce as a step toward a unified Syria.\
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi was expected to attend additional discussions but was delayed due to weather conditions. He confirmed the meeting and indicated that he would provide more details about the ceasefire upon his return from Damascus.
During a televised address, Abdi emphasized that the agreed-upon ceasefire is aimed at preventing a broader conflict, pointing out that the recent fighting was imposed on the SDF.
The Kurdish-led forces have operated under an autonomous administration during Syria's prolonged civil war, having gained substantial support from the US, which has helped arm and train the SDF as a critical ally against the Islamic State (ISIS).
With US backing, the SDF has successfully reclaimed large parts of northeastern Syria from ISIS and has been managing both Kurdish-majority and Arab-majority communities.
Under the terms of the new agreement, signed by al-Sharaa and Abdi, the Syrian government will assume control of civilian institutions, border crossings, and oil and gas resources that have historically underpinned Kurdish self-rule.
Moreover, SDF military and security personnel will be incorporated into Syria's defense and interior ministries following vetting processes, while Damascus will take responsibility for prisons housing thousands of foreign ISIS fighters and their families.
Notably, the agreement includes commitments from Damascus to recognize Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, such as bestowing official language status on Kurdish and instituting national holidays to honor Kurdish traditions — marking a significant step in recognizing Kurdish identity since Syria's independence in 1946.
Abdi also noted the SDF's commitment to safeguarding their administrative achievements in northeastern Syria while reaffirming Syria's collaboration with the US-led coalition combating ISIS.
This deal concludes lengthy stalled negotiations following prior attempts at integration and comes after Syrian government forces recently moved into oil facilities in Raqqa following an SDF withdrawal earlier in January.
Al-Sharaa voiced concerns last week regarding the control of the country's resources by a militia, underscoring the necessity for a unified national authority.
