A ceasefire agreement has been reached between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following two weeks of escalating conflict, particularly in Aleppo and northeastern Syria. The agreement outlines the integration of SDF personnel into state institutions, the transfer of control over previously autonomous territories including oil fields and border crossings to Damascus, and formal recognition of Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights. The fighting, which began after stalled negotiations over a prior integration plan, resulted in fatalities, mass displacement, and significant territorial shifts.
Escalation of Clashes in Aleppo
Clashes intensified in the Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts of Aleppo, beginning on a Tuesday. The hostilities were described as the most intense in the country for over six months, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, with some reports indicating up to 22, and the displacement of over 140,000 civilians. On Wednesday, the Syrian army shelled these neighborhoods after designating them "closed military areas." The Syrian government stated its operations were in response to attacks by armed groups and aimed at preserving security, while the SDF denied any military presence in Aleppo and characterized the actions as a "criminal attempt" to forcibly displace residents. Residents reported fleeing their homes due to intensified shelling. On Thursday, a curfew was enacted, and government forces initiated operations against SDF positions.
Initial Ceasefire Attempt and Rejection
The Syrian government declared a ceasefire for Aleppo effective early Friday, proposing terms that required Kurdish fighters to withdraw from Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid. Safe passage to SDF-controlled areas in the north-east was offered, allowing fighters to retain light arms. However, Kurdish councils overseeing Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh rejected these terms as a "call to surrender," affirming their intent to defend their neighborhoods and accusing government forces of intensive shelling. Subsequently, the Syrian army announced its intention to resume attacks on military sites in Sheikh Maqsoud and established a humanitarian corridor for civilian departure.
Syrian Government Offensive and Territorial Gains
Concurrently with the Aleppo clashes, Syrian government forces advanced into northeastern Syria. State media reported the army gained control of Tabqa city and its adjacent dam, the Freedom dam, and the Rasafa and Sufyan oilfields. The SDF initially withdrew from some areas as a goodwill gesture, facilitating the entry of Syrian troops into towns like Deir Hafer. However, the SDF later accused Syrian troops of violating agreements by advancing further east into towns and oilfields not specified in initial understandings, leading to renewed clashes. Syrian state media reported Kurdish-led forces destroyed two main bridges over the Euphrates River in Raqqa. The government later seized the Omar oil field, identified as the country's largest, along with other gas fields and the Tanak oil field, following SDF withdrawals from these energy-rich areas in eastern Deir Ezzor province.
Ceasefire Agreement and Integration Deal
On Sunday, an immediate nationwide ceasefire was announced between the Syrian government and the SDF. This agreement followed a meeting in Damascus between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, who described the deal as a step toward a "unified Syria." SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed the agreement, noting it was reached through international mediation and aimed to prevent a broader conflict.
The comprehensive 14-point agreement includes the integration of the SDF into Syria's military and state institutions. Key provisions are:
- Integration of Forces: SDF military and security personnel are to be integrated into Syria's defense and interior ministries after a vetting process. SDF members will integrate as individuals, not distinct units, with senior SDF officials offered high-ranking state positions.
- Territorial Control: Syrian authorities will assume control over civilian institutions, border crossings, and oil and gas fields previously managed by the Kurdish self-rule administration, including those in al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa governorates.
- Detention Facilities: Damascus will take responsibility for prisons and detention camps housing thousands of suspected Islamic State group fighters and their families.
- Kurdish Rights: Pledges were reiterated to recognize Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, including granting Kurdish official language status alongside Arabic, allowing its teaching in schools, restoring citizenship to stateless Kurds, and designating Newroz (the Kurdish New Year) as a national holiday. This marks the first formal recognition of Kurdish national rights since Syria's independence in 1946. The decree also abolishes a 1962 census measure that had stripped many Kurds of Syrian nationality and prohibits ethnic or linguistic discrimination.
- Counter-Terrorism: The agreement reaffirms Syria's participation in the US-led coalition against the Islamic State.
- PKK Expulsion: The SDF is stipulated to expel elements of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from Syria's borders.
International Reactions and Ongoing Challenges
The US Special Envoy praised the agreement as promoting "renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended the Syrian army's offensive, as Turkey considers the SDF an extension of the PKK.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports emerged on Monday of approximately 1,500 Islamic State members escaping from Shaddadeh prison amidst ongoing clashes between government forces and the SDF. Both sides attributed blame to the other for the prison break. Heavy bombardment was also reported in Raqqa, with the SDF confirming "violent clashes" near Al-Aqtan prison, which houses IS detainees. Ceasefire discussions held on Monday between President al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi reportedly did not achieve positive results, with Abdi requesting additional time for deliberation and reiterating a proposal for SDF integration as distinct units rather than individuals.