The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Friday that they have reached a broad agreement to halt military confrontations nationwide and begin a gradual integration of military, security, and administrative institutions.
If implemented, the agreement would bring an end to the latest clashes between Damascus and the SDF and place the autonomous administration in northeastern Syria under the authority of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, marking a major step toward consolidating state control across the country.
The deal was welcomed by US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who described it as a “historic milestone” in Syria’s path toward reconciliation, unity, and long-term stability. Barrack said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to inclusive governance and dignity for all Syrian communities, while opening the door to institutional rebuilding and post-war reconstruction.
Under the terms of the agreement, armed forces from both sides will withdraw from front-line positions. Syrian Interior Ministry security units will be deployed in the centers of Hasakah and Qamishli, two key cities in northeastern Syria.
A central provision of the deal is the formation of a new military division that will include three brigades drawn from the SDF. In addition, a separate brigade composed of fighters from Kobani, also known as Ain al-Arab, will be incorporated into a division linked administratively to Aleppo province.
The SDF released details of the agreement in a statement prior to its announcement by Syrian state media. The deal also confirms the integration of institutions run by the autonomous administration into Syrian state structures, while allowing civilian employees to retain their positions.
More Read
According to a Syrian military source, the integration of SDF fighters will take place on an individual basis within the newly formed brigades. The state will assume authority over all civilian and government institutions, border crossings, and public outlets, ensuring no area remains outside central control.
It remains unclear whether female SDF fighters, who currently serve in specialized units known as the Women’s Protection Units, will be included in the integration process.
Earlier this month, President Sharaa signed a ceasefire and full integration framework with the SDF. Syria’s state news agency reported that the agreement covers the transfer of civilian institutions in Hasakah province to state control, along with the government’s takeover of border crossings and oil and gas facilities. These sites would be secured by regular forces to ensure revenues flow back to the state treasury.
The agreement also outlines the integration of SDF military and security personnel into the defense and interior ministries following security screening. Those accepted would be granted official military ranks and financial and logistical benefits, while maintaining certain local administrative characteristics in Kurdish-majority areas.
On January 24, both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire for an additional 15 days as negotiations continued.
The SDF, which includes Arab as well as Kurdish fighters, played a decisive role in defeating ISIS in Syria with backing from the United States. Over the years, it gained control of large areas in the north and east of the country, including major oil fields, and detained thousands of suspected militants.
Since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, Syria’s new leadership has emphasized its intention to reunify the country under centralized authority. While negotiations with Kurdish leaders initially stalled and led to renewed fighting, the latest agreement signals a renewed push toward political and military integration.
