Syria declared a temporary truce with Kurdish forces on Tuesday, giving them four days to reach an agreement on integrating into the central state. The United States, a key supporter of the Kurds, encouraged them to accept this offer.
Recent rapid advancements by the government and the apparent shift in U.S. support away from the Syrian Democratic Forces mark a significant change in control within Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebels over a year ago.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack praised the opportunity for Kurds to become part of the central Syrian state with citizenship rights, cultural protections, and political involvement. He mentioned that the original purpose of the SDF, once backed by the U.S. as a key ally against ISIS, had largely been fulfilled, and that the U.S. did not plan to maintain a long-term presence in Syria.
A White House official expressed “grave concern” over the situation in Syria and called on all parties to engage in sincere negotiations. The official emphasized the need for restraint, avoidance of actions that could escalate tensions, and protection of civilians, especially those from minority groups.
The SDF confirmed its acceptance of a ceasefire with the Syrian government, vowing not to initiate any military actions unless provoked. A Syrian government statement revealed an understanding with the SDF to develop an integration plan for Hasakah province, warning of potential state forces entering two SDF-controlled cities otherwise.
The ceasefire, effective from Tuesday evening for four days, was accompanied by a request for the SDF to propose a candidate for the assistant role to the defense minister in Damascus as part of the integration process.
Northeast Syria, bordering Turkey and Iraq, is home to both Kurds and Arabs and was previously overrun by ISIS before the SDF, with U.S.-led coalition support, pushed back the militants. However, Turkey has expressed concerns about the SDF’s advances, viewing the Kurdish YPG force as linked to the PKK, a group that has waged an insurgency in Turkey.
Since Assad’s removal in December 2024, Syria has been led by former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a close ally of Turkey. The situation in northeast Syria remains sensitive due to the presence of SDF-guarded facilities holding ISIS detainees and associated civilians, drawing international attention.
In a separate development, around 200 low-level ISIS fighters escaped Shaddadi prison when the SDF withdrew, but Syrian government forces managed to recapture many of them. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that approximately 120 ISIS detainees had escaped, with 81 being recaptured. The SDF also pulled out from al-Hol camp, where numerous civilians linked to the jihadist group were housed near the Iraqi border.
Syrian government forces advanced in eastern parts of Hasakah province and south of Kobani on Tuesday, while the SDF retained control over Hasakah City and Qamishli. The government assured it would not enter these cities during the four-day ceasefire, expecting the SDF to present an integration plan during this period.
Tensions between the SDF and Damascus escalated recently over disagreements regarding the group’s fighters and territories. After agreeing to withdraw from Arab-majority regions, the SDF faced government forces moving into Hasakah province.
Reports suggested a strained meeting between SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Sharaa after Abdi’s endorsement of a 14-point agreement with the government. The U.S., closely involved in mediating between the parties, has cultivated strong ties with Sharaa during Donald Trump’s presidency.