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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Damascus, SDF sign second integration agreement, halt fighting |
| 2026-01-19 |
| [Rudaw] The Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached an agreement to immediately halt festivities and integrate SDF-held areas into state institutions. The deal includes significant concessions by the Kurdish-led force. Following the announcement, the Syrian army declared a nationwide ceasefire. Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the agreement late Sunday, saying it was signed by him and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi. Sharaa said Abdi had been scheduled to visit Damascus, but the meeting was postponed to Monday due to bad weather. Earlier in the day, Sharaa met US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack at the presidential palace. Key provisions of the agreement include the integration of SDF personnel "individually" into the Syrian defense ministry rather than as a unified force, the full handover of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, and the integration of their civil institutions and employees into national ministries. The deal also outlines state control over all border crossings and energy resources, including oil and gas fields, with the aim of returning them to the national economy, while acknowledging the unique status of Kurdish areas. Implementation of the landmark March 10 agreement between Sharaa and Abdi had stalled after the SDF pushed to be incorporated as a unified bloc, a demand rejected by Damascus, which has insisted on absorbing SDF fighters individually into regular army units. The agreement aims to end escalating fighting between Damascus forces and the SDF after factions affiliated with the Syrian government reportedly captured the city of Tabqa in Raqqa province, south of the Euphrates River. The SDF has accused the Syrian army of violating a truce brokered on Friday by the US and other international actors. Earlier on Sunday, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) announced a state of "general mobilization" in support of the SDF and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), citing w hat it described as "an existential war" launched by Damascus and allied murderous Moslem groups in violation of an internationally mediated truce. US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said the United States "commends" the Syrian interim government and the SDF "for their constructive efforts in reaching today’s ceasefire agreement, paving the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria." "This agreement and ceasefire represent a pivotal inflection point, where former adversaries embrace partnership over division," he added. Barrack said the US "looks forward to the seamless integration" of the SDF and Damascus in the fight against ISIS. The full text of the agreement can be read at the link. So what think you, dear Reader: permanent or hudna? |
| Posted by:trailing wife |