Syria declared a temporary ceasefire with Kurdish forces on Tuesday following recent territorial seizures in the northeast region. The Syrian government set a four-day deadline for the Kurds to agree to integrate into the central state, a move supported by their main ally, the United States.
The rapid advancements made by the government in recent days and the apparent withdrawal of U.S. backing for the Syrian Democratic Forces mark a significant shift in control since rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad over a year ago.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack praised the integration offer, which includes citizenship rights, cultural protections, and political engagement, as a significant opportunity for the Kurds. He emphasized that the original purpose of the SDF, primarily supported by the U.S. in combating the Islamic State, has largely been fulfilled, and the U.S. does not intend to maintain a long-term presence in Syria.
The U.S. expressed “grave concern” over the situation in Syria and urged all parties to engage in sincere negotiations. A White House official called for maximum restraint, avoidance of actions that could escalate tensions, and the protection of civilians, especially minority groups.
The SDF accepted a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government, committing not to initiate military actions unless provoked. A statement from the Syrian authorities outlined an understanding with the SDF to develop an integration plan for Hasakah province or face potential entry of state forces into two SDF-controlled cities.
The government initiated a four-day ceasefire commencing on Tuesday evening and requested the SDF to nominate a candidate for the assistant role to the defense minister in Damascus as part of the integration process.
Northeast Syria, situated between Turkey and Iraq, is home to both Kurds and Arabs and was previously under the control of Islamic State militants before the SDF, with U.S.-led coalition support, drove them out. The Kurdish YPG force, a primary component of the SDF, has raised concerns for Turkey, viewing it as linked to the PKK group, which has waged insurgency within Turkey.
Since the ousting of Assad, Syria has been led by former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a close ally of Turkey. The situation in Northeast Syria remains sensitive, especially due to the presence of SDF-guarded facilities holding detained Islamic State militants and associated civilians, posing international concerns.
Approximately 200 low-level Islamic State fighters escaped Shaddadi prison on Monday as the SDF departed, but many were recaptured by Syrian government forces. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that around 120 detainees escaped, with 81 subsequently recaptured. The SDF also withdrew from the al-Hol camp, which houses civilians linked to the jihadist group near the Iraqi border.
Syrian government officials notified the U.S. of the SDF’s withdrawal from the al-Hol camp area, indicating readiness to deploy government forces there. The SDF had previously acknowledged guarding around 10,000 IS fighters.
Military sources reported Syrian government troops advancing in eastern Hasakah province and south of Kobani town near the Turkish border. Despite these advances, the SDF retains control of Hasakah City and Qamishli, a predominantly Kurdish city.
Tensions between the SDF and Damascus escalated into conflict recently over disagreements regarding the group’s fighters and territories. The SDF agreed to withdraw from Raqqa and Deir al-Zor provinces, leading to government forces entering Hasakah province.
Reports suggested a strained meeting between SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Sharaa following Abdi’s endorsement of a 14-point agreement with the government. The U.S., actively mediating between the parties, maintains close ties with Sharaa under President Donald Trump’s administration.