Damascus (TDI): The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire and a phased integration of military and administrative bodies into the Syrian state, according to an official statement released on Friday.
The deal marks a notable shift in the long-running conflict in northern and eastern Syria, where Kurdish forces have maintained semi-autonomous control for more than a decade.
Under the terms of the agreement, both sides will pull back forces from frontline positions, and Syrian Interior Ministry security forces will deploy to key cities such as Hasakah and Qamishli, which have been controlled by the SDF.
Local security units will be merged with state apparatuses in a move aimed at normalizing governance across the region.
A crucial component of the framework is the planned formation of a unified military division that will include three brigades drawn from the SDF.
Additionally, a separate brigade for forces based in Kobani, also known as Ain Al-Arab, will be established under the authority of Aleppo province.
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Syrian officials described the signed agreement as a major step toward restoring territorial unity and strengthening cooperation to rebuild the war-torn nation.
The ceasefire follows recent gains by Damascus-aligned forces, which last month seized significant swathes of territory from the SDF, forcing Kurdish fighters into a shrinking enclave in the northeast.
Negotiators on both sides said the accord was reached late Thursday and was expected to be implemented immediately.
International reaction has been cautiously optimistic. The US special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, hailed the agreement as a “historic milestone” in Syria’s path toward national reconciliation and long-term stability.
He emphasized that the deal reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and respect for all Syrian communities, while underscoring the importance of rebuilding institutions and attracting investment for reconstruction.
Analysts suggest the integration pact can help reduce some of the longstanding tensions between Damascus and Kurdish factions, which have been among the most effective local forces in combating extremist groups like ISIS.
However, implementation will require sustained political will, careful coordination on the ground, and continued engagement from international partners invested in Syria’s future.
