ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached an agreement to immediately halt clashes and integrate SDF-held areas into state institutions. The deal includes significant concessions by the Kurdish-led force. Following the announcement, the Syrian army declared a nationwide ceasefire.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the agreement late Sunday, saying it was signed by him and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi. Sharaa said Abdi had been scheduled to visit Damascus, but the meeting was postponed to Monday due to bad weather.
Earlier in the day, Sharaa met US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack at the presidential palace.
Key provisions of the agreement include the integration of SDF personnel “individually” into the Syrian defense ministry rather than as a unified force, the full handover of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, and the integration of their civil institutions and employees into national ministries. The deal also outlines state control over all border crossings and energy resources, including oil and gas fields, with the aim of returning them to the national economy, while acknowledging the unique status of Kurdish areas.
Implementation of the landmark March 10 agreement between Sharaa and Abdi had stalled after the SDF pushed to be incorporated as a unified bloc, a demand rejected by Damascus, which has insisted on absorbing SDF fighters individually into regular army units.
The agreement aims to end escalating fighting between Damascus forces and the SDF after factions affiliated with the Syrian government reportedly captured the city of Tabqa in Raqqa province, south of the Euphrates River. The SDF has accused the Syrian army of violating a truce brokered on Friday by the US and other international actors.
Earlier on Sunday, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) announced a state of “general mobilization” in support of the SDF and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), citing w
hat it described as “an existential war” launched by Damascus and allied militant groups in violation of an internationally mediated truce.
US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said the United States “commends” the Syrian interim government and the SDF “for their constructive efforts in reaching today’s ceasefire agreement, paving the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria.”
“This agreement and ceasefire represent a pivotal inflection point, where former adversaries embrace partnership over division,” he added.
Barrack said the US “looks forward to the seamless integration” of the SDF and Damascus in the fight against ISIS.
The following the full text of the agreement:
First:
An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts and contact lines between the Syrian Government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along with the withdrawal of all SDF military formations to the east of the Euphrates River as a preliminary step for redeployment.
Second:
The full and immediate administrative and military handover of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa governorates to the Syrian Government. This includes the transfer of all civil institutions and facilities, with the immediate issuance of decrees to permanentize current employees within the specialized ministries of the Syrian state.
Third:
Integrating all civilian institutions in al-Hasakah Governorate into the institutions of the Syrian state and its administrative structures.
Fourth:
The Syrian Government shall take control of all border crossings, oil fields, and gas fields in the region, with protection secured by regular forces to ensure the return of resources to the Syrian state, while considering the special case of Kurdish areas.
Fifth:
The full integration of all SDF military and security personnel into the structures of the Syrian Ministries of Defence and Interior on an individual basis, following necessary security vetting, granting them military ranks, financial entitlements, and logistical requirements accordingly.
Sixth:
The leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commits to refraining from incorporating remnants of the former regime into its ranks and to providing lists of officers from the former regime’s remnants present in areas of northeastern Syria.
Seventh:
The issuance of a presidential decree appointing a nominee to assume the position of Governor of al-Hasakah as a guarantee of political participation and local representation.
Eighth:
The removal of heavy military presence from the city of Ain al-Arab (Kobani), the formation of a security force drawn from the city’s residents, and the retention of a local police force that is administratively affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Interior.
Ninth:
The integration of the administration responsible for the file of ISIS prisoners and camps, as well as the forces responsible for securing these facilities, with the Syrian government, so that the Syrian government assumes full legal and security responsibility for them.
Tenth:
The adoption of a list of candidates submitted by the SDF leadership to hold high-ranking military, security, and civil positions within the central state structure to ensure national partnership.
Eleventh:
Welcoming Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, which provides for the recognition of Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights and for addressing outstanding rights-based and civil issues — including those of unregistered/stateless persons and accumulated property-rights claims from previous decades.
Twelfth:
The SDF commits to the removal of all non-Syrian Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leaders and members outside the borders of the Syrian Arab Republic to ensure sovereignty and regional stability.
Thirteenth:
The Syrian state commits to continuing the fight against terrorism (ISIS) as an active member of the International Coalition, in coordination with the United States, to ensure the security and stability of the region.
Fourteenth:
Working toward understandings concerning the safe and dignified return of the residents of the Afrin and Sheikh Maqsoud areas to their homes.
Updated at 8:50 pm.
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