ISTANBUL — On January 18, 2026, the United States expressed strong support for a newly announced comprehensive ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian transitional government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), describing it as a "pivotal inflection point" in Syria's post-conflict transition. The deal, signed following intense recent clashes and territorial shifts, aims to restore central authority over the country's northeast while addressing long-standing Kurdish concerns.
U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the agreement represents a moment where "former adversaries embrace partnership over division." He commended both Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi as "two great Syrian leaders, driven by the shared vision of liberating their country and people from tyranny." Barrack highlighted al-Sharaa's affirmation that Kurds are an "integral part" of Syria and emphasized U.S. anticipation for the "seamless integration" of the SDF — described as a historic partner in the fight against ISIS (Daesh) — into national structures. He added that the U.S. stands "firmly behind this process at every stage," with the challenging details of full integration now beginning.
The announcement came after al-Sharaa met with Barrack in Damascus earlier that day. Al-Sharaa revealed that a planned in-person signing with Abdi was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, but the agreement was formalized nonetheless to de-escalate tensions. The 14-point document, published by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) and the Syrian Presidency, outlines an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts and contact lines between government forces and the SDF. This truce takes effect concurrently with the withdrawal of SDF-affiliated military formations to areas east of the Euphrates River, serving as an initial step toward broader redeployment.
Key provisions include the full administrative and military handover of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa governorates to the Syrian government, with current employees integrated into relevant ministries without punitive actions. Civilian institutions in al-Hasakah Governorate — the remaining core SDF stronghold — will transition into national administrative frameworks, with a presidential decree appointing a nominee (expected from SDF recommendations) as Governor to promote inclusive representation.
The Syrian state will assume control of all border crossings, oil fields, and gas fields in the northeast, including critical sites like the Omar oilfield (Syria's largest) and Conoco gas field. These assets, previously generating revenue for the SDF, will now contribute to the national treasury, with considerations for the special needs of Kurdish-populated areas.
Militarily, the accord mandates the individual integration of SDF military and security personnel into the Ministries of Defense and Interior after security vetting. Fighters will receive appropriate ranks, salaries, and support per Syrian regulations, though without maintaining separate units or preserving the SDF as an independent force — a stance long insisted upon by Damascus for a unified national army.
The agreement also addresses heavy weapons in areas like Ain al-Arab (Kobani), requiring their removal and the establishment of local security forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior. A significant security measure involves transferring responsibility for ISIS detainees and camps (including al-Hol and Roj, holding thousands of fighters and families) to the Syrian government, resolving a major international concern about facility oversight.
The SDF commits to expelling non-Syrian Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leaders and members from Syrian territory, a key demand from Turkey, which views the YPG (the SDF's core component) as an extension of the PKK — a group designated as terrorist by Turkey, the U.S., EU, and others. The deal welcomes Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, which recognizes Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, designates Kurdish as a national language, grants citizenship to previously stateless or unregistered Kurds (maktoumei al-qayd), and addresses accumulated property rights from past decades.
Both sides reaffirm Syria's role in combating terrorism, particularly ISIS remnants, in coordination with the U.S.-led Global Coalition. The accord also supports safe returns for displaced residents of Afrin and Sheikh Maqsoud.
This breakthrough follows months of stalled implementation of a prior U.S.-brokered March 10, 2025, agreement between al-Sharaa and Abdi, which set an end-of-2025 deadline for SDF integration but faltered amid disputes over autonomy, unit cohesion, and timelines. Recent escalations included heavy fighting in Aleppo's Kurdish neighborhoods (Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh) in December 2025 and January 2026, resulting in dozens of deaths and mass displacement. Government forces advanced rapidly over the weekend, capturing strategic locations like Tabqa, the Euphrates Dam, and multiple oil fields, often aided by local Arab tribes frustrated with SDF governance.
The U.S. has balanced longstanding SDF partnership — crediting the group with defeating ISIS territorially in 2019 — with support for al-Sharaa's transitional government, which overthrew Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Barrack's engagement underscores Washington's push for stability, counterterrorism continuity, and unified Syria without fragmentation.
Turkey, viewing the YPG/SDF as a PKK affiliate threatening its security, has pressured for swift action against non-Syrian elements. The agreement's PKK expulsion clause aligns with Ankara's priorities, though implementation will be scrutinized.
Local reactions vary: Syrian Defense Ministry urged troops to protect citizens during the transition. In Raqqa and other areas, residents celebrated government advances, with some toppling SDF statues. Kurdish sources express guarded optimism over rights gains but caution about diluted autonomy and potential vetting challenges.
The deal marks a major step toward national reconciliation after over a decade of war, but success depends on faithful execution, trust-building, and international backing — especially from the U.S., Turkey, and regional actors. With ISIS sleeper cells persisting and geopolitical rivalries lingering, the northeast's integration could stabilize Syria or reignite tensions if disputes arise.
