Syria Announces Ceasefire Deal With Kurdish-Led SDF
19th Jan. 2026
The Syrian government has announced a nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It is a deal that effectively restores Damascus’s control over most of the country after more than a decade of division. The agreement was confirmed on Sunday by both sides after following a weeks of escalating clashes in northern and eastern Syria. As a result, this ceasefire represents a decisive shift in the balance of power.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed the deal in a video statement. He said that the group had accepted the agreement and would withdraw from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces “to stop the bloodshed”. Shortly afterwards, Syria’s defense ministry released a statement and said that it had ordered an immediate halt to fighting along all front lines.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa described the agreement as a turning point. He characterized the deal as “a victory for all Syrians of all backgrounds”. “Hopefully Syria will end its state of division and move to a state of unity and progress”, he added.
Syrian Government Gains Strategic Control in the East
The ceasefire comes after the Syrian government forces launched a major push eastward earlier this month. This followed clashes with the SDF in parts of Aleppo province. Although the initial fighting was intense, the SDF soon retreated from several key positions and eased tensions along the front line.
Since then, the government troops have asserted control over large parts of Deir el-Zour and Raqqa, which are the two strategically vital provinces. It includes oil and gas fields, Euphrates River dams, and important border crossings. On Sunday evening, large military convoys entered the Raqqa city, where local residents were celebrating on the streets. They later waved Syrian flags and set off fireworks.
Meanwhile, Syria’s state news agency Sana broadcast images of President al-Sharaa while he was signing the agreement in Damascus. Although Abdi was not physically present but, his signature appeared on the document. Officials said that he was unable to travel due to bad weather and is expected to visit Damascus on Monday.
What does the Agreement mean for the SDF?
Under the deal, the SDF will be dismantled and its fighters integrated into Syria’s military and security forces. In addition, senior SDF military and civilian figures are expected to receive high-ranking posts within state institutions. Crucially, the agreement requires the SDF to relinquish control of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour.
They both are Arab-majority regions, along with oil facilities and border crossings. However, in Hassakah province, which is the Kurdish heartland, only the civilian administration will return to Damascus. Kurdish-led agencies that manage prisons and camps holding thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families will also be transferred to state control. Although the framework is clear but there is no fixed timeline. Al-Sharaa said that implementation would be gradual, and it would start with the cessation of hostilities.
US Welcomes Deal as Crowds Celebrate in Raqqa
Both the Syrian government and the SDF are key allies of Washington. US envoy Tom Barrack met al-Sharaa on Sunday, as government forces entered Raqqa, while Abdi reportedly joined the talks by phone.
Barrack welcomed the ceasefire, calling it “a pivotal inflection point, where former adversaries embrace partnership over division”. He added that the deal could lead to “renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria”.
Meanwhile, signs of calm quickly followed the deal. Syria’s new leadership, which came to power after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has struggled to consolidate authority. Although a previous integration deal reached in March collapsed amid mutual accusations. So for now, Sunday’s agreement appears to signal a decisive step towards reunifying the country after years of conflict.
Web Resources Syria’s deal with SDF
1. AlJazeera.com: Syria announces ceasefire agreement with Kurd-led SDF after heavy fighting
2. BBC.com: Syrian army seizes country’s largest oil field from Kurdish forces
3. The Guardian.com: Syria president claims ‘victory for all’ as ceasefire with Kurdish-led force announced
4. Reuters.com: Syrian army pushes into Aleppo district after Kurdish groups reject withdrawal