Agreement Aims to Reunify Syria After Years of Division
The Syrian government has reached a major agreement with the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces, also known as the SDF. The deal focuses on gradually integrating Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state.
This development follows weeks of intense clashes in Syria’s north east. During these confrontations, Syrian government forces regained large areas that the SDF had controlled for more than ten years.
United States envoy Tom Barrack described the agreement as a historic step toward national unity. He said the deal could help Syria move toward long term stability and reconciliation.
Ceasefire Led to Negotiations
Earlier this month, the SDF agreed to a ceasefire after suffering major territorial losses. As part of that truce, the group allowed government forces to take control of many strategic areas. Despite the ceasefire, reports of sporadic clashes continued.
Friday’s agreement builds on a previous fourteen point understanding. Under the new deal, SDF fighters will withdraw from front line positions. Many of them will also join the Syrian army and other state institutions.
The SDF confirmed that the plan includes forming a new military division. This unit will consist of three brigades made up of former SDF members.
Kurdish Rights and Civil Integration
The agreement also addresses long standing Kurdish civil and cultural demands. According to the SDF, both sides agreed on protections for Kurdish educational and civil rights.
The deal guarantees the return of displaced residents to their homes. It also supports the integration of Kurdish administrative bodies into the national government structure.
As part of the arrangement, the SDF transferred control of prisons, oil fields, and gas facilities to Damascus. Syrian troops have already taken over the Omar oil field, the largest in the country. The army also secured the strategic Tabqa dam along the Euphrates River.
Shift in Power After Assad Era
With backing from the United States, Kurdish forces once controlled nearly one third of Syria while fighting the Islamic State group. Their recent losses mark the biggest shift in territorial control since the fall of Bashar al Assad in December 2024.
That moment officially ended Syria’s thirteen year civil war. Since then, President Ahmed al Sharaa has pledged to reunify the country.
After the ceasefire on 18 January, Sharaa said the agreement could help Syria move from division toward unity and development.
First Recognition of Kurdish National Rights
President Sharaa later issued a decree recognizing Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights. Kurdish now holds status as a national language. The decree also grants citizenship to stateless Kurds and declares the Kurdish New Year a national holiday.
This move marks the first formal recognition of Kurdish national rights since Syria gained independence in 1946.
The agreement follows months of stalled talks over a March 2025 integration plan. During that time, both sides accused each other of delaying progress.
