Syria agrees to ceasefire with Kurdish-led SDF following intense fighting

Syria Announces Ceasefire Agreement with Kurdish-Led Forces

The Syrian government has reached a ceasefire agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to state media. The deal involves the withdrawal of SDF forces from areas west of the Euphrates River and their integration into the Syrian military.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa made the announcement in Damascus, stating that the agreement will see the establishment of Syrian state institutions in three eastern and northern governorates: al-Hasakah, Deir Az Zor, and Raqqa. The SDF administration responsible for ISIL detainees and camps will be integrated into the country’s state structure, transferring full legal and security responsibility to the government.

The agreement also stipulates that the SDF will propose a list of leaders to fill senior military, security, and civilian posts within the central government. Additionally, the Syrian government will take over all border crossings and oil and gas fields in the affected areas.

According to state media, the ceasefire comes after days of fighting between the Syrian government and the SDF over strategic posts and oilfields along the Euphrates River. The army had previously advanced into towns in the SDF-held territory, taking key locations such as the northern city of Tabqa and its adjacent dam.

The agreement was reached after a meeting between President al-Sharaa and US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack in Damascus. SDF chief Mazloum Abdi was initially scheduled to attend the meeting but had his trip postponed due to weather conditions.

The terms of the agreement have been outlined, with the SDF committing to the removal of all non-Syrian Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leaders and members from the territory to ensure sovereignty and regional stability.

Source: Al Jazeera