Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to meet Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), after a ceasefire agreement ended days of fighting across northern and northeastern Syria.
The meeting, scheduled for Monday, was postponed from Sunday due to adverse weather conditions. It follows a rapid military escalation in which Syrian government forces, backed by allied tribal fighters, advanced from Aleppo to Raqqa, retaking large areas previously controlled by the SDF.
The offensive forced the SDF to accept a ceasefire and a wide-ranging agreement that places Kurdish civilian and military administrations under central state authority.
On Sunday, Abdi, also known as Mazloum Kobani, confirmed his acceptance of the ceasefire in a televised address after President al-Sharaa declared and signed the truce publicly. Abdi said the conflict had been imposed on the SDF and planned by multiple parties, adding that he would present full details of the agreement upon returning from Damascus.
Public reaction and security concerns
The ceasefire prompted celebrations in Damascus, with residents taking to the streets following weeks of fighting. However, officials and residents alike expressed caution, citing concerns over the durability of the agreement in a country that has endured nearly 14 years of civil war.
Many Syrians have voiced growing concern over economic conditions, with an estimated 90 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Officials say a sustained ceasefire could allow renewed focus on economic recovery and stabilisation.
SDF withdrawal and integration plans
Abdi said the SDF’s withdrawal from Deir Az Zor and Raqqa to Hasakah was intended to prevent further bloodshed and avert a wider civil conflict. While acknowledging heavy losses, he said the SDF would continue to defend what it considers its achievements.
Senior SDF commander Sipan Hamo said the group does not seek separation from Syria and called for international guarantees, particularly from the United States. He denied receiving support from Iran or Russia, but said he hoped Israel would intervene in favour of Syria’s Kurdish population.
The Syrian presidency said the ceasefire agreement provides for the integration of SDF fighters into state institutions, including the Syrian army, and for the deployment of government authorities to Raqqa, Deir Az Zor and Hasakah. President al-Sharaa called on tribal forces to support the implementation of the deal.
Asked about the timeline and the status of a similar agreement reached in March last year, al-Sharaa said the current arrangement reflects the same principles and objectives.
Governance and regional implications
Attention is now focused on how the Syrian state will administer areas newly brought under government control. Officials face the task of restoring civilian governance, preventing reprisals, protecting minority groups and transitioning from military operations to civilian policing.
The agreement also returns control of oil and gas resources in the northeast to Damascus, a move analysts say could strengthen the government’s political and economic position. However, securing facilities and restoring infrastructure remain significant challenges.
Analysts warn that integrating SDF fighters, including foreign combatants, poses a major risk to the ceasefire’s stability. Damascus has said fighters must be integrated individually, subject to security clearance.
International response
On Sunday, President al-Sharaa met US special envoy Tom Barrack in Damascus. Barrack later said the agreement marked a turning point and could open the way for renewed dialogue towards a unified Syria.
The United States, which maintains hundreds of troops in northern Syria, remains focused on preventing a resurgence of ISIL (ISIS) following a deadly attack on US soldiers and civilian contractors in Palmyra in December. US forces carried out large-scale strikes against ISIL targets last week.
The Syrian Ministry of Defence has announced a nationwide ceasefire, allowing civilians to return home and enabling state institutions to resume operations. The agreement follows a two-day military operation that reclaimed key areas in eastern and northeastern Syria after earlier arrangements with the SDF collapsed.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also discussed developments with al-Sharaa by phone, reaffirming Turkey’s support for Damascus and reiterating Ankara’s position that eliminating terrorism from Syrian territory is essential for regional security. Turkey considers the SDF an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it designates as a terrorist organisation.
