Syria's government has reached a deal with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia alliance that would see the gradual integration of Kurdish forces and institutions into the state.
This comes after weeks of clashes which saw Syrian troops reclaim large swathes of territory in the north-east that had been under SDF control for more than a decade. US envoy Tom Barrack called it a profound and historic milestone in Syria's journey toward national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability.
Earlier this month - following major territorial losses - the SDF agreed to a ceasefire that saw much of its hold brought under government control, though reports of clashes continued.
Much like that 14-point agreement, Friday's deal sees the SDF withdrawing from points of contact, with its members joining the Syrian army and government, and the integration of its administrative and civil bodies into those of the state.
The SDF stated the agreement includes the formation of a military division comprising three brigades made up of its members. It also encompasses civil and educational rights for Kurdish people and guarantees the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Key parts of the deal involve the transfer of prisons and oil and gas fields that were under SDF control to Damascus. Syrian troops recently seized control of the Omar facility, the country's largest oilfield, after the SDF pulled back, as well as the strategic Tabqa dam on the Euphrates River.
Previously, the Kurds controlled nearly a third of Syria's territory with the support of the US during the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group. Their recent territorial losses signify the largest change of control in Syria since the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, which marked the end of the 13-year civil war.
After being at the forefront of the rebel offensive that toppled the Assad regime, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has consistently promised to reunify a divided Syria. After the ceasefire was agreed on January 18, he expressed hope that it would foster a state of unity and progress.
Sharaa announced a decree recognizing Kurdish cultural, linguistic, and civil rights by establishing Kurdish as a national language, granting nationality to stateless Kurds, and declaring their new year a national holiday. This marks the first formal acknowledgment of Kurdish national rights since Syria's independence in 1946.
The latest agreement followed several months of stalled negotiations regarding a March 2025 integration deal, with both parties accusing each other of obstruction.
This comes after weeks of clashes which saw Syrian troops reclaim large swathes of territory in the north-east that had been under SDF control for more than a decade. US envoy Tom Barrack called it a profound and historic milestone in Syria's journey toward national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability.
Earlier this month - following major territorial losses - the SDF agreed to a ceasefire that saw much of its hold brought under government control, though reports of clashes continued.
Much like that 14-point agreement, Friday's deal sees the SDF withdrawing from points of contact, with its members joining the Syrian army and government, and the integration of its administrative and civil bodies into those of the state.
The SDF stated the agreement includes the formation of a military division comprising three brigades made up of its members. It also encompasses civil and educational rights for Kurdish people and guarantees the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Key parts of the deal involve the transfer of prisons and oil and gas fields that were under SDF control to Damascus. Syrian troops recently seized control of the Omar facility, the country's largest oilfield, after the SDF pulled back, as well as the strategic Tabqa dam on the Euphrates River.
Previously, the Kurds controlled nearly a third of Syria's territory with the support of the US during the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group. Their recent territorial losses signify the largest change of control in Syria since the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, which marked the end of the 13-year civil war.
After being at the forefront of the rebel offensive that toppled the Assad regime, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has consistently promised to reunify a divided Syria. After the ceasefire was agreed on January 18, he expressed hope that it would foster a state of unity and progress.
Sharaa announced a decree recognizing Kurdish cultural, linguistic, and civil rights by establishing Kurdish as a national language, granting nationality to stateless Kurds, and declaring their new year a national holiday. This marks the first formal acknowledgment of Kurdish national rights since Syria's independence in 1946.
The latest agreement followed several months of stalled negotiations regarding a March 2025 integration deal, with both parties accusing each other of obstruction.
