SYRIAN GOVERNMENT DECLARES CEASEFIRE WITH KURDISH-LED SYRIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES. (PHOTO).

 Syrian government declares ceasefire with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces

The Syrian government announced on Sunday a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signaling the near-complete consolidation of control over the country and the dismantling of Kurdish-led forces that had dominated the northeast for more than a decade.

Tensions had escalated earlier this month when government forces pushed eastward, prompting the SDF to largely retreat after clashes in eastern Aleppo province. Syria’s Defense Ministry said it had ordered a halt to fighting on the front lines following the agreement. The SDF has not formally confirmed the deal or issued a comment.

Since the government’s campaign began, Damascus has regained control of key areas in Deir el-Zour and Raqqa provinces, which include vital oil and gas fields, river dams along the Euphrates, and several border crossings. State media showed President Ahmad al-Sharaa signing the agreement, while SDF leader Mazloum Abdi’s signature also appeared on the document. Al-Sharaa said Abdi could not travel to Damascus due to bad weather but had finalized the agreement by phone and is expected to visit the capital on Monday.

Al-Sharaa called the deal “a victory for all Syrians of all backgrounds” and said it marked a step toward ending the country’s division. Under the agreement, the SDF will be dismantled, with its forces integrated into Syria’s military and security agencies. Senior SDF officials will receive positions in state institutions. The Kurdish-led group is to hand over control of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, including border crossings, oil and gas infrastructure, while Hassakah Province will return civilian administration to Damascus. The government will also assume control over prisons and camps housing Islamic State detainees and families.

U.S. officials played a role in facilitating the agreement. Envoy Tom Barrack met with al-Sharaa as government forces advanced into Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, with Abdi joining by phone. Barrack praised the ceasefire, saying it offered “renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria” and described it as a turning point where former adversaries embraced partnership over division.

Although the timeline for implementing the agreement is unclear, the initial phase will involve the cessation of hostilities. Following clashes in Aleppo earlier this month, Abdi had announced that SDF forces would withdraw east of the Euphrates, while al-Sharaa issued a decree strengthening Kurdish rights.

By the evening of Sunday, Syrian troops had entered Tabqa and much of Raqqa city, reportedly welcomed by residents. Armed Arab clans in Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, largely opposed to the SDF, supported the government. The SDF lost control of large portions of territory and key infrastructure, including dams and energy facilities.

The SDF had captured Tabqa from the Islamic State in 2017 during its campaign to dismantle IS’s so-called caliphate, which at its height had declared Raqqa its capital.