Syrian Army Enters Kurdish City of Hasakah Amid Ceasefire

US-Backed Ceasefire Agreement Takes Effect in Northeastern Syria

A ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has come into effect, marking a significant development in the region. The agreement was brokered by the United States and aims to stabilize northeastern Syria.

As part of the agreement, Syrian forces have deployed to the city of Hasakah, which had previously been controlled by the SDF. A large convoy of military trucks entered the city on Monday, hours after the SDF imposed a curfew. The deployment was carried out as scheduled without incident.

Under the terms of the agreement, government forces will avoid entering Kurdish-majority areas, while small Interior Ministry security units will take control of state institutions in Hasakah and Qamishli. Kurdish local police will continue to operate in both cities before eventually merging with the Interior Ministry.

The agreement also includes provisions for establishing a military division incorporating SDF brigades, as well as integrating governing bodies in SDF-held territories with state institutions. The arrangement is aimed at solidifying the ceasefire that halted weeks of conflict in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a statement warning against any attempts to sabotage the agreement, stating that those who do so will be “crushed under it.” The agreement marks an important step towards unifying the fractured nation under central authority.

Source: Al Jazeera