Damascus, Jan 30, (dpa/GNA) – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian transitional government, have reached a comprehensive agreement that includes a road map for the full integration of the SDF into the Syrian state, officials confirmed on both sides on Friday.
Syrian state-run media reported that the deal also established a ceasefire across north-eastern Syria, where clashes have taken place for weeks, paving the way for a phased integration of SDF military and administrative structures into state institutions.
The integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian army has been a point of contention, and was a key factor in the government’s recent military advances into Kurdish-held areas of Syria.
SANA, citing a Syrian government source, said the deal includes the withdrawal of forces from the front lines and the deployment of Internal Security Forces to the cities of Al-Hasakah and Qamishli to foster stability.
The agreement also provides for the initiation of a process to merge regional security forces and the formation of a military division comprising three brigades from the SDF.
It further includes provisions to settle the civil and educational rights of the Kurdish community and guarantees the return of displaced persons to their homes.
The Syrian government said the agreement aims to unify Syrian territory, enforce the rule of law and achieve full integration in the region.
The SDF confirmed the agreement in a statement released by its media centre, reiterating commitments to the ceasefire and integration process.
The deal builds on a fragile ceasefire that followed recent fighting between government troops and the SDF in the north and north-east of the country.
The contested area was previously under Kurdish self-administration. Following the overthrow of the regime of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad, the new leadership in Damascus aims to bring all areas of the war-torn country under state control.
An integration agreement with the SDF has been in place since March of last year. However, the two sides could not agree on concrete steps for its implementation, with the Kurds fearing a loss of power and rights.
After negotiations proved unsuccessful, government troops launched a military offensive against the Kurdish areas.
US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack praised the latest agreement and described it as “a profound and historic milestone in Syria’s journey toward national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability.”
“This carefully negotiated step, building on earlier frameworks and recent efforts to de-escalate tensions, reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, mutual respect, and the collective dignity of all Syrian communities,” he worte on X.
Kurdish official Elham Ahmad, Foreign Affairs Officer of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, said the US and France helped broker the deal. “We hope they will assume the role of guarantor powers for the integration process,” she said.
GNA