Syrian Government and SDF Reach Deal on Al-Hasakah & Qamishli

By Ahmad El-Assasy

In a major step toward de-escalation, the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached a comprehensive understanding to halt military operations and restructure security in key northeastern regions. The agreement primarily covers the cities of Al-Hasakah and Qamishli, aiming to restore civil order and integrate Kurdish-led forces into state institutions.

Key Provisions of the Agreement According to the Syrian Military Operations Department, the deal stipulates the deployment of the Syrian Ministry of Interior's personnel within city centers and vital areas to ensure public safety. Key points of the memorandum include:

Immediate Ceasefire: A total cessation of military activities across all lines of engagement.

Internal Security: Syrian Interior Ministry forces will take over urban security in Al-Hasakah and Qamishli.

SDF Relocation: SDF elements will remain stationed within their respective villages and current rural deployment zones.

Institutional Integration: The parties have agreed to a framework for merging SDF forces into Syrian state institutions, with technical details to be released in the coming days.

Diplomatic Momentum The deal coincides with the high-profile arrival of SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi and senior official Ilham Ahmed in Damascus for direct talks with the central government. This visit follows a US-mediated ceasefire originally signed on January 18, 2026, which laid the groundwork for this integration.

A Syrian government official told Reuters that Damascus is eager to proceed with "integration talks," focusing on the practical implementation of the January accords. The current 15-day extension of the existing ceasefire, which began last Saturday, provided the necessary window for these breakthroughs.

Implications for Northern Syria Implementation of the new security arrangements is set to begin within the next 48 hours. For residents of Al-Hasakah and Qamishli, the return of state internal security forces marks a significant shift in the local administrative landscape. If successful, this integration could serve as a blueprint for stabilizing other contested regions in Northern Syria and unifying the country’s fragmented security apparatus.