The Syrian government has announced an immediate nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), effectively giving Damascus near-complete control of the country. The ceasefire ends almost two weeks of fighting and is part of a broader 14-point agreement that will integrate the SDF into Syria’s military and state institutions.
Speaking in Damascus, President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would enable state institutions to regain authority over three eastern and northern governorates. The announcement follows a meeting between al-Sharaa and US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack in the capital.
Barrack described the agreement as a significant step toward a unified Syria. With US support, the SDF had previously driven ISIS from northeastern Syria and administered both Kurdish and Arab-majority areas. The deal also confirms Syria’s continued participation in the US-led coalition against the Islamic State.
