Syria Reaches Ceasefire Agreement with Kurdish-Led Forces

Sun Jan 18 2026 23:45:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Syrian government declares a nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, paving the way for integration and recognition of Kurdish rights.

In a significant development, Syria's government has announced a nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after two weeks of intensified conflict. This agreement not only facilitates the integration of the SDF into state military frameworks but also acknowledges Kurdish cultural rights. Following a period of stalled negotiations, this ceasefire aims to reestablish Syrian authority over key regions, marking a potential shift in the long-standing dynamics of power in the country.

The Syrian government has announced an immediate nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), reflecting control over most regions of the country, according to Syrian state media.

This ceasefire ends nearly two weeks of fighting and is part of a broader 14-point agreement that will see the SDF integrated into Syria's military and state institutions.

Speaking in Damascus, President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that the deal would enable Syrian state institutions to regain control over the eastern and northern governorates of al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa.

The announcement followed a meeting between al-Sharaa and the US special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, who praised the agreement as a step towards a unified Syria.\

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi was expected to attend the meeting but was unable to travel due to weather conditions, postponing a visit until Monday, according to al-Sharaa.

Founded with substantial backing from the United States during Syria's civil war, the SDF has governed both Kurdish and Arab-majority regions after successfully driving out ISIS forces.

The agreement allows Syrian authorities to assume civilian institutions, border crossings, and the control of oil and gas fields that have supported Kurdish autonomy.

Under the agreement signed by al-Sharaa and Abdi, SDF personnel will undergo vetting and be integrated into Syria's defense and interior ministries. Furthermore, the Syrian government will take charge of prisons holding thousands of foreign ISIS fighters and their families.

In an important recognition, Damascus pledged to uphold Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, granting Kurdish the status of an official language and recognizing the Kurdish New Year as a national holiday, marking the first formal acknowledgment of Kurdish rights since Syria's independence in 1946.

The deal also reinforces Syria's commitment to participating in the US-led coalition against ISIS.

This agreement follows months of stalled negotiations after previous attempts at integration had failed, coinciding with Syrian government forces' re-entry into Raqqa and crucial oil facilities after an SDF withdrawal.

President al-Sharaa emphasized that it is unacceptable for a militia to control a significant portion of the country and its vital resources.