The Syrian government says it has agreed a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), providing for the group’s withdrawal from areas west of the Euphrates River and its integration into the national military.

Speaking in Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria, said state institutions would move into al-Hasakah, Deir Az Zor and Raqqa, territories previously controlled by the SDF.

Key elements of the deal include:

• Integration of SDF forces, including those guarding ISIL detainees, into state structures

• Government takeover of border crossings, oil and gas fields

• SDF proposals for Kurdish representation in senior military, security and civilian roles

• Removal of non-Syrian PKK members to support sovereignty and regional stability

The announcement followed talks with Tom Barrack, the United States Special Envoy to Syria. Fighting had intensified in recent weeks after a March integration agreement collapsed.

ℹ️ Al Jazeera

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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signs a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces, Damascus, January 18, 2026.(photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X/@SyPresidency)
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