Syria and Kurdish-Led Forces Strike Historic Deal, Merge Military Operations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Syria’s interim government has signed a historic agreement with Kurdish-led authorities, securing a ceasefire and merging the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army. The deal grants Kurds constitutional rights, including citizenship and language education, while bringing key border crossings, airports, and oil fields under government control. Meanwhile, Syria’s military declared victory over pro-Assad insurgents after intense fighting in the coastal region. The U.S. has urged accountability for recent violence against Alawite civilians, while also considering lifting sanctions on Syria as the country moves toward political unification.
Syria-Kurdish Agreement: Quick Looks
- Syria’s interim government and Kurdish-led authorities have agreed to a ceasefire and the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army.
- The deal brings border crossings, airports, and oil fields under government control, further consolidating authority after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime.
- Syria’s Kurdish population will gain constitutional rights, including citizenship for stateless Kurds and the right to teach their language.
- The agreement marks a significant step toward political unity, as it includes all ethnic and religious groups in the political process.
- Meanwhile, the government has declared victory over pro-Assad insurgents, following intense fighting in Syria’s coastal region.
Deep Look: Syria and Kurdish-Led Forces Strike Major Agreement
Syria Moves Toward Unification
In a landmark agreement, Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led administration in the northeast have struck a ceasefire and military integration deal. The agreement, signed on Monday by Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, represents a significant step toward unifying the country after 14 years of civil war.
As part of the deal, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—a U.S.-backed militia primarily composed of Kurdish fighters—will be absorbed into the Syrian national army. Additionally, the government will take control of key border crossings, airports, and oil fields in the region.
This agreement cements the authority of Syria’s Islamist-led interim government, which took power following the December overthrow of longtime leader Bashar Assad.
Kurds Secure Historic Gains
For Syria’s Kurdish population, the deal represents a historic victory. Under Assad, the Kurdish language was banned, and many Kurds were denied citizenship for decades. The new agreement grants them full constitutional rights, allows Kurdish-language education, and ensures the return of displaced Kurdish communities to their homes.
“This is a major step toward justice for Syria’s Kurdish people,” said a Kurdish official involved in the negotiations.
Government Declares Victory Over Assad Loyalists
On the same day the Kurdish deal was announced, Syria’s government declared the end of military operations against insurgents loyal to Assad. The conflict escalated after a surprise attack on security forces in Latakia last week, leading to widespread clashes between Assad loyalists and the newly established Syrian government forces.
The Syrian military claimed victory but acknowledged retaliatory violence against Alawite civilians—a minority group to which Assad belonged. Some reports estimate over 1,100 deaths, including 830 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Hassan Abdel-Ghani issued a stern warning to pro-Assad insurgents:
“If you return, we will also return. You will find before you men who do not know how to retreat.”
Western Response and Calls for Justice
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Syrian authorities to hold perpetrators accountable while also urging the international community to reconsider lifting economic sanctions on Syria.
“The U.S. stands with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities,” Rubio stated, referencing the Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities that have been caught in the crossfire.
As Syria moves forward under new leadership, the international community will closely monitor whether the fragile unity holds or fractures under ongoing tensions.
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