The Syrian government on Sunday announced a ceasefire agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), paving the way for Damascus to regain control over much of the country’s northeast after more than a decade.
The deal follows weeks of escalating tensions that erupted into clashes earlier this month, prompting a major military advance by government forces toward the east. The SDF has since largely withdrawn from key front-line positions in eastern Aleppo province.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed the agreement in a video message, saying his forces had accepted the deal and would pull out of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces “to stop the bloodshed.”
“We will explain the terms of the agreement to our people in the coming days,” Abdi said.
Syria’s Defence Ministry said it had ordered all fighting to stop along the front lines following the announcement.
Since the fall of former president Bashar Assad in December 2024, Syria’s new leadership has struggled to fully assert authority over the war-battered country. A previous agreement in March to integrate the SDF into the state structure failed after both sides accused each other of violating its terms.
Following the latest military push, government forces have effectively taken control of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces, which are strategically vital due to their oil and gas fields, Euphrates river dams and key border crossings.
State media showed President Ahmad al-Sharaa signing the agreement in Damascus. Although Abdi was not present due to bad weather, his signature appeared on the document. Al-Sharaa said Abdi is expected to visit Damascus on Monday.
“This is a victory for all Syrians, regardless of background,” al-Sharaa told journalists. “We hope Syria will move from division toward unity and progress.”
Both the Syrian government and the SDF are allies of Washington. US envoy Tom Barrack met al-Sharaa on Sunday as government forces advanced into Raqqa and across Deir el-Zour province, with Abdi reportedly joining the talks by phone.
Barrack welcomed the agreement, saying it marked a turning point toward “renewed dialogue and cooperation for a unified Syria.”
Under the deal, the SDF will be dismantled and its fighters integrated into Syria’s military and security forces. Senior SDF officials are expected to take up senior roles in state institutions.
The group will hand over Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, both Arab-majority provinces, along with border crossings and energy facilities. In Hassakah province, the Kurdish heartland, only the civilian administration will return to Damascus, while Kurdish-run agencies overseeing prisons and camps holding Islamic State detainees will also be transferred to government control.
There is no clear timeline for implementation. Al-Sharaa said the process would be gradual, beginning with a halt to hostilities.
Clashes earlier this month had briefly subsided after Abdi announced his forces would withdraw east of the Euphrates River. However, fighting resumed when Syrian troops seized Tabqa and pushed deeper into Raqqa province.
By Sunday evening, government convoys had entered Raqqa city, where residents welcomed them with celebrations, waving Syrian flags and setting off fireworks.
Crowds gathered in the streets chanting and firing shots into the air.
“Today, everyone is born anew,” said local resident Yahya Al Ahmad.
Meanwhile, thousands of Kurdish families fled toward the SDF-held city of Qamishli, where temporary shelters were set up. Many residents there expressed cautious hope about the agreement, alongside lingering mistrust.
Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said the deal marked a turning point.
“This is a moment for Syrians to put aside their differences and move forward. It is a victory for Syria,” he said.